What is the subtle knocking/banging in the steering column/front end of my 2004 Toyota Solara?

Question

It only happens when I turn the wheel at low speeds (like pulling in or out of a parking space) or going over bumps (again at low speeds - 15-20 mph). The steering is fine, car handles well and it only has 26,100 miles on it so I doubt it's normal wear and tear. I've had it in three times for this and the dealership mechanics always tell me they "don't feel anything" when they drive it...can they be trusted since the car is still under warranty and I get the feeling they just don't want to eat the cost of having to fix it.

Answer 1

It could be play in the McPherson strut shock absorber assembly including the strut or the strut isolator bearing where it bolts to the body at the tower top. You might take it to an independent front end specialist shop and tell them that you can feel and hear it, but the dealer says you don't have a problem. They might take the time to actually check the front end components for excessive play. Even a new vehicle could have a defective part. The only way you'd eventually find the problem otherwise is after a few years of wear when the play in the parts gets worse so technicians can find it easier. A "chassis ear" is a special listening device some shops have to locate noises in your car. Also review all the owner complaints, TSBs and recalls for your vehicle at http://www.mycarstats.com - You will need to first sign up for free on their website by entering your vehicle make, year and model.

http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/ste97202.html

Answer 2

Take it to a garage and have a front end suspention check done. it could be a tire rod : inner or outter, ball joint, strut mount, c/v joint, bad bushing, wheel bearing there are many possibilities for this, and you need to know what to look for when checking.

Answer 3

it sounds like either your wheel bearing, hub bearing or u-joint

Answer 4

change your cv boots