Date: Thu, 21 Nov 2002 16:19:08 GMT From: "Gozer" <gozernopsamon4.com> Subject: Steering/Suspension noises - 1999 9-3
Has anyone had problems with what sounds like worn-out ball joints in the front, but can't find one that's bad? I've had the car at the dealer 3 times for this and they claim it's not a bad ball joint or control arm assembly. They just loosen everything up, including engine mounts, and torque everything back down again. The sound goes away for about 100 miles and them comes right back. It's sounds just like a worn ball joint when I drive over bumps, man-hole covers, etc. I also have a problem with a very loud and similar sound during low speed when I'm turning the steering wheel against the pavement such as pulling out of a parking spot. I've been able to sit in one place and rock the steering wheel back and forth making the sound. This sound does not get better when the dealer loosens and tightens everything. However, I'm wondering if the two are related and are in the steering rack? Another point of interest is that the wheel alignment causes the center alignment to be off. In other words, the wheels are aligned, but the "sweet spot" of the steering wheel is off. This causes the car to steer to the left rather drastically when I let go of the wheel. I've rotated the wheels and I've checked the pressure with no change. There's a little wobble in the steering wheel, but only when I'm accelerating somewhat hard. Any thoughts would be helpful because the dealer hasn't been. I'm a pretty good shade-tree mechanic and have done a great deal of work on my '86 900t from timing chain and clutch to axles and rebuilt rack. Thanks, Gary
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