Rumbling = PS probs?

[98SF19]

Got on it on the way into work today due to slow pokes in the turn lane. Upon turning into parking lot and then into parking space, it felt as if I were driving over rumble strips (like along the interstate shoulders). Looked under car for leaking PS fluid, saw none. Went out at lunch and looked, still none. Back out and looked, no red puddles or stains. "Whew" (for now). Car drove fine but the PS fluid is low.

Was the rumbling the effects of air in the hydraulics?

 

[stephen newberg]

So, you topped up the PS fluid. I doubt that is the problem, but now you could just repeat the turn in somewhere and see if it happens again. Much more likely it is something in the front suspension, though.

pax, smn

 

[98SF19]

Topped off PS fluid. Steering felt nice and soft this morning, but I should do a PS flush soon. Looking around with a flashlight, I did see what looked like fluid just inboard of the PS pump pulley, and also sitting on top of the tranny, just below and aft of the throttle body. I also noticed that my washer fluid line has a big hole in it, so what I was seeing may have been that stuff. I need to stick a paper towel down there to check the color.

Could brake calipers sticking cause the rumbling? Also, I have been noticing a "clunk" recently when moving from a stop. Had the car up a few weeks ago and checked the subframe bolts - all were tight (had the stands holding up the subframe). The feel of a sloppy suspension is quickly becoming a pet peeve!

 

[BamSHO]

Could be the axle Cv joints start to go bad.

Brian Michael
98 black Gen3

 

[stephen newberg]

Yes, a clunk when starting from a stop in a straight line is often a CV joint. The other stuff sounded like end links and/or sway bar bushings. Brake calipers are not likely to cause a rumbling sound, as a rule.

pax, smn

 

[98SF19]

Thanks

A coworker mentioned having done CV joints and that it was a PITA to put them back together. As for the "clunk", he mentioned motor mounts. I'll likely take it to the pros at this point, but I'm the wiser now from all your replies.

Much obliged!

 

[BamSHO]

I've had bad motor mounts and never heard a "clunk", the car vibrates more. My current Gen3 has a bad front mount, no clunk and I sometimes drive it hard too.

Brian Michael
98 black Gen3