loose front end????
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New User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 24
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From: Oregon
loose front end????
How much play should there be in the front wheels. When I jacked up the front end both wheels had considerable movement when my hands were at 3 and 9 o'clock, but none at 12 and 6. The front right wheel is making a hideous clicking/clanking noise when I make a hard turn. On the highway there is no noise or vibration at speed. The car currently has 98,000mi and both wheel bearings and outer tie rod ends were changed at 55,000mi. Does anyone have any suggestions/remedies????
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 14,413
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From: Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA!
It probably still is. Or it could be your CV joints. I would take it to a mechanic or alignment shop. Most of them will do a front end inspection for free or very cheap. You don't want to mess around with it.
-Matt
-Matt
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 586
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From: Tottenham Ontario Canada
Take the van to an empty parking lot. While driving slowly (10mph or so), but accelerating gently, turn the steering wheel lock to lock. The idea is to do a big wide slalom with the CV joints lightly loaded. Take note of any repetitive clicking sounds you hear. Next do the same manoevers while coasting. If the clicking goes away, it's likely the CV joints.
Since you said there is a torn boot, I'd suspect the joint anyway. If the condition of the joint hasn't deteriorated too much (and you can live with the clicking), you can replace just the boot. If you flush all the old grease and dirt out of the joint and fill it with fresh lube, it should provide many more miles of service.
If you hear one or two big hideous cracking sounds that makes your fillings ache, it's likely the ball joints.
Good luck with your repairs.
Cheers,
Eric
Since you said there is a torn boot, I'd suspect the joint anyway. If the condition of the joint hasn't deteriorated too much (and you can live with the clicking), you can replace just the boot. If you flush all the old grease and dirt out of the joint and fill it with fresh lube, it should provide many more miles of service.
If you hear one or two big hideous cracking sounds that makes your fillings ache, it's likely the ball joints.
Good luck with your repairs.
Cheers,
Eric
