Hey guys quick question! A few weeks ago I had my alignment done and soon noticed a clunk noise and checked it out. I find the noise coming from the drivers side right at the inner tie rod. The noise is made when you just move the steering wheel back and forth just an inch or so. There is no shake in the wheel at any driving speed. I took it back to belle tire where I did the alignment and wanted some answers. They say it sounds like its coming from the rack... I thought they messed up the inner tie rod. So I want to know has anyone had issues like this with the rack or inner tier rod? The car didn't clunk before so I am convinced they messed something up. Also is there a rack adjustment if it is loose and clunking?? Thanks guys. I need some help!

 

No suggestions?

 

With the car off and the steering wheel locked, raise the front end of the car and check the wheels for movement. Place your hands on the tire at 9 and 3 o'clock. Try with some force to wiggle the tire side to side. Then, put your hands at 12 and 6 o'clock and do the same. Look and listen for looseness and of course the clunk. There should be a little play when doing the 9 & 3, but none when doing the 12 & 6. If it's a ball joint or tie rod, you'll probably be able to tell this way.

You should also check the bushings on the rack. See #14 here...

http://www.oemacuraparts.com/auto-pa...peed-automatic

Make sure they're flush with the top edge. If possible, have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth while the car is on the ground and with the hood open see you can look down and check the top of the rack for movement at these bushings.

Unless the tire shop left something loose, I really don't see a reason for an alignment to cause any type of clunking. When you turn the steering wheel back and forth, does the clunk happen no matter which way the wheels are facing?