My car has recently (I say recently as in since I got it back on the road after a year and a half or so of being stored engine-less) developed a "popping" sound when turning sharp. For example, I'll be backing out of a parking spot or turning into an alley and hear a fairly loud pop. Then, most of the time at least, my car will pull slightly to the direction I just turned. If I turn the other way until it pops again, it will steer straight again.

I'm not completely sure what this could be, tie rods maybe? If it's not that, or even if it is, how would I go about fixing it? I've got a 95 Z24 sitting around for parts, could something be taken from that to fix my problem?

Anyway, thanks for any help!


15.448 @ 89.7

i would have a friend listen from the outside while you turn the wheel to get it to "pop"

Chances are most likely it is either the strut mount, or the ball joint. My bigger guess going toward the strut mount.

It is most likely your cv axles. There are multiple write ups on changing your cvs it isn't too bad to do. Now I have never had to do it but I did have a clunking popping sound and yes it was my bottom strut bolts but that wasn't when I was turning it was when I was slowing down.

By the way I don't argue most things that you say John but I really think it is the cv I haven't of tie rods popping when they are bad.


The proper way of using the word seen. It is not I seen it that would be I saw it. He has seen the car is the right way to use the word. English class is Cool. By the way thats my sig

Do you have cheap coil overs on the car? If so thats what that popping sound is and thats why it stays turning to that direction

Mike wrote:Do you have cheap coil overs on the car? If so thats what that popping sound is and thats why it stays turning to that direction

Nope, with the exception of strut bars it's all stock.


15.448 @ 89.7

you definitely need new struts and upper bearings, they have a tsb out for them. Exact same thing happened on my car

I've been getting that exact sound! From the right/front side of my car...

if the popping happens while your in the process of turning the wheel then its the struts mounts, if you turn the way all the way one direction and hold the steering wheel still then hit the gas from a stop and accerate with the wheels full turned in either dirrection and you here a clicking type noise it the CV joint

you have a 95 z24 just sitting around ??!!! why the hell are you driving anything else??

Alex Currington wrote:you definitely need new struts and upper bearings, they have a tsb out for them. Exact same thing happened on my car

I believe the previous owner had put new front struts on it, but I'm not sure...any simple things to look for to tell me if they are new or not? If so, I might just steal those lol And if you don't mind my asking, TSB?

scott (section8cav) wrote:you have a 95 z24 just sitting around ??!!! why the hell are you driving anything else??

It could have something to do with the cracked head haha

I got it from a friend as a parts car dirt cheap, and so far it's come in quite handy lol So far I've got the intake manifold and TB off of it that I plan on putting on my 02 Z24.


15.448 @ 89.7

its a Technical Service bulletin, something you can look up on your car and find problems that alot of people have been experiencing and ways to correct it.

Check your springs. My 03 sat for about a year, the first time I drove it, both front springs broke. I have seen this a few times on J's and it will cause the noise and steering conditions you mentioned. Strut mount bearings will also do this, but make sure the springs are not broken (make sure to feel up close to the top of the spring it could look OK, but still have a piece snapped off at the end) because they will shift as you drive and could cut your tire.

I agree about the Strut Springs, same thing happened to one of mine after sitting 6 months. You may have to jack the car up to get a good look at it uncompressed.

About the Technical Service bulletin mentioned earlier, a good to place to find out a list of them is at http://www.carcomplaints.com/Chevrolet/Cavalier/2002/tsbs.shtml
Look under "Steering" and "Steering Column" There are a good number of TSBs on the Steering column's "Intermediate Shaft" needing lubrication.

If that's the problem check out this step by step http://www.colinkraft.com/shaft.php Kudo's to Colin