First of all thnks for reading my post. I have this weird noise coming from the right front end of my car (Sunfire ´00 2.4L) everytime I turn the steering wheel either side. Its like a squeak and its very loud specially when parking. I have gone to several mechanics and I´ve heard so many different stories about what might be...
They have checked my power steering and its ok no leaks and all my suspension is also ok new strut mounts, shocks, new transmission mounts, engine mounts etc. Then I found this topic about the intermediate steering shaft lubrication and I though I´ve found my answer:
http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=11&i=126768&t=125718#126768
So I printed the How to and took it to several mechanics to see who could do this. One told me he could do it but that he would need to remove the steering wheel (WTF) and that it might be very probable that the shaft needed to be changed instead of lubed. He went under the dash and touched the boot and told me there was sound coming from the shaft as if it was broken and that it was very dangerous and I needed to change it ASAP but that he didnt have time until Friday and that it was a very expensive repair.
So, I went to another mechanic and he told me the squeak I hear could not be due to the intermediate shaft because the sound came from the right side. His best guess without a further inspection of the car is that the mount from the rack & pinion is damaged due to the heat coming from my OBX header. He told me there should be a metalic shield or protecion t prevent heat from hurting other parts of my car and that he was surprised my car didnt have those shields. He was also scheptical about my intermediate shaft being damaged but he also needs to inspect it with more time and he assured me he doesnt need to remove the steering wheel which is exactly what I understood from the HOW TO.
Now, my questions:
Do you think my rack & pinion mount can be damaged by the heat? If so, is it an expensive part?
Anyone has a picture of the shields the mechanic is talking about? Im really new to cars and i can not remember if the car had any shield before I got my headers installed, but the header gets really hot and it seems reasonable that heat is damaging plastic and rubber parts.
Thanks again I really appreciate your input. I am not refusing to pay to get my car fixed or to buy the necessary parts what I really dont want to do is spend a lot of money without first hearing your opinions. Also, excuse my english but Im in Mexico lol.
regards,
Anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac...
A header doesnt give off a lot more heat than a normal exhaust manifold, it isnt a mount that is damaged.
The P/S rack isnt held in by mounts, it is secured to the subframe by two large bolt.
If you turn the wheel vehicle in park, does it make the sound all the time?
The parts to lube are on the intermediate shaft, the How To will show you where the lube points are, I'd start with that.
- 2004 Cavalier - 124k, owned since new
Hard to give you an answer without hearing the problem.Open the hood and listen to the strut towers.Have a helper listen or steer.Put it up on jack stands is there a change in sound when turning?Get a long screw driver,hose,stethoscope and listen.It might be the upper strut mount or bearing plate.Spray some lube on it and see if it goes away.Will heat damage a rubber mount? Yes...Try some spray lube in areas then listen.
x2 on strut mount.
2.2 97 Cavalier......the "Crapalier"
So, as I hoped when I posted this, you people were right! Eventhough the strunt mounts where just 1 years old (and why I had discarded them as the source of the problem), they were indeed the problem. The mechanic removed the strut mounts, placed some grease and installed them back, the noise is gone!
Thanks again, u helped me save a lot of money on unecessary repairs!!!!!
Anyone driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac...
