Two Major Issues

[MilTownSHO]

Visited my mom tonight and this is what she showed me.

Loud knock when you turn the wheel either way, took it for a drive and the steering wheel does not completely recenter, the steering wheel stays cocked and will pull into a curb if not corrected. It centers mostly, just doesnt finish.

http://youtu.be/5U8bx31Zmq4

So I decided to check the power steering fluid on a whim since I'm still in uniform and didnt want to crawl under the car. And that's when I heard this.

http://youtu.be/ZcXQBmEZV44

It sounds like a clock almost, if you rev it up, it doesn't increase, you can't even hear it until it gets back close to idle. The car is welded, but sure sounds like a cam or chain problem to me. Bad gas?

Experts, I need your help. For now I just told her she can't drive it.

Way to many problems for a car with 85k. Car currently does have check engine for open IMRC for the past few months, but I can't believe it would do that to the engine.

 

[St Louis SHO]

The first noise sounds like a broken spring, or strut mount.

The second noise doesnt sound good, but I got nothing on it.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

I agree with James on the first one. Make sure it's not a broken spring that could puncture a tire.

Second one if it's not changing cadence with RPM I would tend to discount it being valvetrain-related. I'm thinking something in the main timing chain area; a worn or damaged guide, balance shaft bearing, bad tensioner, etc. Even those would usually change with RPM but I suppose with the right set of circumstances maybe not.

Are you positive it's not changing with RPM or can you just not hear it off idle? Can you make a video with revving it up to 1500 or so a couple of times?

Might want to stop by AutoZone, etc. and pick up a mechanic's stethoscope. Should be under $10 and can really help pinpoint where the noise is coming form.

 

[MilTownSHO]

I agree with James on the first one. Make sure it's not a broken spring that could puncture a tire.

Are you positive it's not changing with RPM or can you just not hear it off idle? Can you make a video with revving it up to 1500 or so a couple of times?

Might want to stop by AutoZone, etc. and pick up a mechanic's stethoscope. Should be under $10 and can really help pinpoint where the noise is coming form.

But if it was a broken spring wouldn't it just be loud and effect the side its broken on? The wheel not centering completely is just weird, wouldn't think a spring would do that. Plus it makes a noise in both directions, regardless I'll check the springs tomorrow. Its like there is a hard spot in the steering rack, it reminds me of what it feels like with loose subframe bushings on a Gen 1/2. If you driving and crank the wheel a little to the left or right it sticks there.

I will make the video tomorrow before work and upload it.

Thanks

 

[ctwrench]

You might also try jacking it up and check the tie rods and ball joints. It looked like you were moving the steering wheel quite a bit, but the wheels weren't turning when the noise was made. Also check the steering column to make sure that the shaft isn't rubbing on something between the rack up through the bottom of the dash.

 

[St Louis SHO]

Jason, that second noise is the secondary actuator. Unplug it, it will go away if I'm right. Sorry, it took me that long to think of it.

 

[MilTownSHO]

James, you mean the imrc? Cause it's stuck open? When I checked it months ago, it wasn't actually stuck, just carbon build up.

That would be crazy if that's causing the sound, can't even see how it would, didn't get a chance to stop by yesterday but if anything I'll try that after work.

Plug is right under valve cover iirc?

 

[St Louis SHO]

Yes. My moms 9 8 made noise like that when it was bad.

 

[MilTownSHO]

Sure as shit was IMRC motor clicking, now just have to take a deeper look at steering issue.

Thank you James, beers on me whenever I see you again!

 

[MilTownSHO]

Steering problem is the rack if anyone cares

 

[SHOCH]

We care, but I'm gonna leave the" Your Moms Rack " joke alone.