03 acura tl type s
181k

Just notice last week my car has been making a clunking sound while steering at a dead stop. I could somewhat hear a clunking sound at low speeds too. It's kind of hard to tell but I want to say its only coming from the driver side. I replace both lower ball joints and outer tie rods 8 months ago with alignment. Steering is stiffer than before and does not return all the way back after a turn. Ps fluid is at the right level. I don't believe it's a balljoint because no boots looks rip. Both axles are not rip either. I even did the wheel shake test and there is no play. What could this possibly be? Any help would be gladly appreciated. Thanks.

 

I've read a couple threads with similar issues but didn't see any with an answers. Help....

 

contrary to ur post it sounds like either axles or complience bushings

 

Hey 03ABPTYPES, check the shaft's cv joints and the strut top bushings.

Also inspect the steering rack and the ps pump. Something could be binding. The pump system may have an air pocket or maybe the belt needs adjusted ????

 

Ball joint boots dont need to be torn to be bad. Just grabbing a wheel and shaking wont always show a bad ball joint.

Other things can be the Radius Rod bushings, and another one that i have found to cause a clunk is the upper control arm. There is a metal sleeve that is supposed to pivot with movement and can seize up with age causing a binding which creates a clunking noise.

 

Thanks guys. I will look into it and let ya know. Sounds like the steering rack or axles. Is there a way to check the steering rack?

 

Update. Replace both upper balljoints and both inner tie rods. Did a ps fluid change. Both bushing on lower control arm looks good. Problem still exist. Help?

 

So with all the ball joints and tie rod ends replaced, ya still have the same problems.
Did the driveshaft's CV joints check out ok ? Try spraying some oil on the various bushings as they can appear to look ok...even if they are worn and dried out.

 

All ball joints are new or slightly used

 

My steering wheel does not return back all the way if that help. I know balljoints play a role on this but I don't think this is a factor anymore

 

If I rock the steering wheel back and forth I'll hear a clunking noise. Seems to be the same sound I'm after

 

Have someone turn the steering wheel to simulate the sound....while you listen from the front of the car with the hood up. Try to pinpoint the source of the sound. Left or right side, lower or higher area, etc.

Could be a bad upper strut bushing if up higher....or a worn cv joint bearing or a bad arm bushing if lower ?

 

Disconnect the tie rods from the knuckles, rock the steering wheel again, if the clunk is still there, I'll bet dollars to donuts that your rack needs to be adjusted.

These can be adjusted just like an oldschool steering box.

 

666 I think you might be right. I almost wanna say I'm positive the noise is come from the rack. But it only seems like the noise is only present when the car is on the ground. When jacked up it won't make the sound.

 

Also the noise is from the driver side only.

 

Yeah, "dollars to donuts" bet by 666Wokker makes alot of sense !!!

The steering column connects to the steering box of the rack, so if ya have somebody turn the wheel...try to safely verify if that's where the clunk is coming from...then go from there.

 

Strange thing happen today. Temperature drop tonight after work. The noise went away and my steering wheel returns back after a turn. Steering got a little less stiffer also. After driving for 20 minutes the noise return. Possibly thinking the temp. played a role in this somehow.

 

. I have this same noise. Steering box?