Steering mechanism
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Steering mechanism
When I make a left turn I am getting a thump in the steering wheel. I have lifted the front end and everything is tight. It almost seems as if there is a metal on metal rub in the mechanism when I turn left. Is this possible? If so then I would think it would also happen on a right turn. Is it OK to grease the mechanism? Any help would be appreciated.
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Steering mechanism
Did you raise the front end on the frame or the front axle? Big difference as jacking up on the frame will change "geometry" of the front end steering parts. Jack it up from the axle, and have a helper "steer" the truck so you can see what is going on. Your noise may also be in the steering box.
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Steering mechanism
Is this a 2W drive front suspension or E4WDrive version? Does the noise occur during a tight left turn only or any left of center turn of the steering wheel? Need to narrow down some possibilities.
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Steering mechanism
It is rear wheel drive. It happens on any type of left turn. But it is more of a thump in the steering rather than a noise. It seems to be coming from the linkage between the steering wheel and the axle.
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Steering mechanism
[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 26-Jul-01 AT 04:53 PM (EST)[/font][p]Let's assume for the sake of argument that we're dealing with a standard version Aerostar. We can eliminate halfshafts, front
differentials and transfer case because there are none. Now you have to see what components would be affected only by a left turn but not a right hand. Wheel bearings,rotors,ball joints and tie rod ends should all be equally affected by axis changes, whether left or right. Steering column itself, down to the rack only moves in "circular" patterns and would be directionally neutral. About the only thing left that would ellict a "thump" on left turns only would be some malfunction of that portion of the steering rack devoted to the left side. A broken/missing rack gear tooth would cause such noise as well as something jamming the rack at that point only. A jam should also be able to be "felt" in the steering as area of increased stiffness while making the turn. I would vote for missing/broken rack teeth. Has the van been damaged in the past? Driven into curbs or large potholes recently - anything that could have caused steering damage? Check the wear patterns on your front tires for unusual wear that would confirm suspension wear or damage. Anyone else have any thoughts on this?
differentials and transfer case because there are none. Now you have to see what components would be affected only by a left turn but not a right hand. Wheel bearings,rotors,ball joints and tie rod ends should all be equally affected by axis changes, whether left or right. Steering column itself, down to the rack only moves in "circular" patterns and would be directionally neutral. About the only thing left that would ellict a "thump" on left turns only would be some malfunction of that portion of the steering rack devoted to the left side. A broken/missing rack gear tooth would cause such noise as well as something jamming the rack at that point only. A jam should also be able to be "felt" in the steering as area of increased stiffness while making the turn. I would vote for missing/broken rack teeth. Has the van been damaged in the past? Driven into curbs or large potholes recently - anything that could have caused steering damage? Check the wear patterns on your front tires for unusual wear that would confirm suspension wear or damage. Anyone else have any thoughts on this?
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Steering mechanism
Aerocolorado, I believe that you have made a good assessment of the problem because the thump as I called it is really more like a jam and release. The tires are wearing normally. There is nothing that has happened to the vehicle that would have caused steering damage so I would think taht broken teeth would be odd. Since the van has 135,00 miles on it do you think it is worth having the rack replaced if that is what needs to be done, or can I just let it go and live with it? Thank-you for all your help on this.
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Steering mechanism
I wouldn't run right out and replace it before having someone confirm the problem. Half of my own "sure fire" diagnoses turn out to be something else. Replacing the rack on a non AWD is a lot easier than AWD. If you want to do-it-yourself, AutoZone lists a rack assmbly at $135 but Kragen/Advance/Checker/Parts America has one for $95.00. Good luck!
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