1999 cavalier, when turning sharply at slower speeds, like around a parking lot, there is a clunk and alignment does out, the car wants to pull whatever way the wheel was turned sharpest to last. ive checked the tie rod ends and they are tight, there is no play in the tires or wheels when the car is off the ground. just wanting to know how big the problem is. was thinking about it being a CV joint but unsure.
2006-12-04 13:49:57 · 7 answers · asked by Tom C 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
My friend who had a similar problem had bad struts on his car. Check yours.
2006-12-04 13:57:50 · answer #1 · answered by notadeadbeat 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to check the ball joint loaded .This means jacking the car up supportting the lower control arms ( as close to the tire without touching it ) with the jack stands and lowering the jack so all the weight of the front end is on the jack stands. Then try to move the tire in and out by holding it at 12 and 6. Push at 12 while pulling at 6 then vise vera. Watch or have someone watch for movement in the ball joint. Any movement there is your trouble.
2006-12-04 21:58:41 · answer #2 · answered by Rudedude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
could be a number of things, best way to check is take off each of the wheels and check to make sure everything is intact. could be ball joints, loose brake calipers, or even the CV axle...
if it's none of these you may want want to check steering column by lifting up the front of the car and moving the wheel both way and see if it still makes the clunk noise...
2006-12-04 21:56:24 · answer #3 · answered by Kevin M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its most likely the rack and pinion unit, I replaced one with similar problems. Get a Haynes manual for the car, there are step by step instructions that need to be followed to prevent damaging the steering column and or deploying the air bags for under $20 dollars. CV joints are easily checked by listening for a clicking noise when turning sharp, also visually check the boots for tears and leaking grease.
2006-12-04 21:59:06 · answer #4 · answered by dean s 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
May want to get the suspension checked by professionals. Seems like a ball joint, or control arm bushing falling out of whack when you turn.
2006-12-04 21:52:23 · answer #5 · answered by Silverstang 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ummm, memory steer. Usually an indication of a problem in the rack. This can usually be lived with for a while unless it becomes too severe a problem.
2006-12-04 22:39:15 · answer #6 · answered by Naughtums 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try checking your struts.
2006-12-04 22:14:07 · answer #7 · answered by Fred M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋