Steering Wheel Problems.

[Infantryarmy09]

Got a 93 SHO MTX 3.0. When i go over about 35 mph and take a turn or curve or what have you. The Steering wheel will like kind of make a popping noise and the streering will get loose but the car will still turn. It doesnt matter which way i am turning it does it both ways but wont do it at low speeds usaully anyway. Also the steering is almost always loose. I know the frame on the driver side is bent and alot of stuff doesnt sit right like the tranny mount is about an inch or so off of where it sould be i dont know if that would cause this or not but maybe a power steering pump. But i dont know about that one of my buddies told me. Also i hear a clunk when i shift it into gear sometime which i am guessing is the tranny mount the way it sits.
Please help thanks

 

[operdot]

You should inspect the subframe and look for broken mounts or cracked frame itself. If the frame is bent then you should just dump it and buy a used one.

Also you need to check the Lower Control Arms and Tie Rod Ends for a ripped boots and play. You can check for play by placing the hands on 12 and 6, 8 and 2, and 9 and 3 positionts on the wheel. If you have play then you need to replace the appropriate part. There are two tie rod ends, and inner and an outer.

What you could also check is the torque on the nuts that hold the steering rack in place. I don't have the specs with me but I would guess somewhere in the range of 65-85 ft-lb.

 

[Phoenix]

Check your subframe bushings , and I suggest .. no I urge you to change those mounts before something real bad happens.

 

[Infantryarmy09]

well the subframe looks like it was repaired or someone at least tryed to repair it. But no cracks in the frame though just the tranny mount well the tranny doesnt sit in it right and i know the mount is getting worn from that fact. But i know i need both of the enigine mounts replaced working on that one right now. Also just replacing the subframe is that possible or would have to change the whole frame it self or cutting the piece that is messed up off and welding a good one on would that work. Also i know i need lower control arms on both sides. Good on tie rods and i will check the steering rack bolt out.

 

[operdot]

would have to change the whole frame it self or cutting the piece that is messed up off and welding a good one on would that work. Also i know i need lower control arms on both sides. Good on tie rods and i will check the steering rack bolt out.

Its possible to have a quality repaired subframe no matter what the condition is, however depending on the damage it can cost a lot. The more economical route is to buy a used subframe that is not bent or rusted, prep and paint the frame and install it.

If you are going to be replacing the drivetrain mounts and lower control arms it may be easier to just pull the subframe off the car.

 

[frosho]

well the subframe looks like it was repaired or someone at least tryed to repair it. But no cracks in the frame though just the tranny mount well the tranny doesnt sit in it right and i know the mount is getting worn from that fact. But i know i need both of the enigine mounts replaced working on that one right now. Also just replacing the subframe is that possible or would have to change the whole frame it self or cutting the piece that is messed up off and welding a good one on would that work. Also i know i need lower control arms on both sides. Good on tie rods and i will check the steering rack bolt out.

You really should take care of the problems you already know about (engine/trans mounts, control arms, subframe), then come back and revisit this if it's still a problem.

 

[SuperHO]

i say sell that car off and get a different one with less problems...i can't imagine they're happy with you makin a mess in the barracks parking lot...

 

[Infantryarmy09]

Yeah i know i should just its got low miles on the engine still so i dont want to get rid of it. Also its my only car right now

 

[SuperHO]

low miles don't mean dick on these cars. my chassis has over 250k on it, but you wouldn't ad able to tell. i'd rather have reliable than low miles any day of the week.

 

[Infantryarmy09]

yeah you are right on that one i guess but. Its so hard to find a good sho now days as it is anyway without alot of problems unless you pay like 4 grand i only paid 1200 for this one. But it will end up costing me about 4k so i dont really think i lost money just this one needs more TLC i guess you could say..