Could my balljoints being shot to shit lead to lots of play in my steering wheel and loud noises everytime I go over bumps??

 

What type of vehicle is it?


Terry

 

97 CL, i just thought it would be a good enough general question.

 

Clunking, perhaps. In fact I seem to recall reading somewhere that 1997 Acuras (can't recall type) had a recall to correct the lower balljoints.

The play in the steering wheel is most likely something else. I would check the steering box first to determine if this is the problem.


Terry

 

The clunking only started after I had polyurethane bushings installed. But other members with the same setup said they had no thumping/squeaking problems.

 

Faulty install perhaps?

 

It has to be, but they keep telling me with any polyurethane bushing there will be squeaking, i'm gonna make them take it for a spin tomorrow!

 

are they aftermarket, and are they grease-able bushings? Check to see if it has a nipple around it somewhere, then see if they can grease it up with marine grease....

and bad ball joints can cause the clunking.

 

but, since you were in the area i would double check tightness on everything.

 

Get a prybar and pry up against the ball joints. There should be zero play.

Make sure you raise the car before doing this test though.

 

It could also be my steering rack i've been told

 

Didn't even read the original post...oops.

Play in the steering can also be caused by problems with the tie-rod ends. Grab the tire at the 9 and 3 positions (with the tire off the ground) and try to rock it from side-to-side. If there's any play, look for loose outer or inner tie-rod ends.

 

^

But since it started after the bushings installed, I'd check if they're greased and tightened. Mine did the same this. Clunking noise. Then check tie rod ends like SodaLuvr said. And while you have it jacked up, check ball joints in the same way, except grab tires at 12 and 6 positions.

 

Rocking your tires at the 12 and 6 positions will tell if your wheel bearings have any play. While it is an important inspection, it will not tell you the condition of your ball joints. To check your ball joints, you really need to use a prybar and pry against the ball joints to check for any play. Also, you should use a flashlight and examine every bushing carefully for any cracks.