Steering Wheel Noises when Turning

[OriginHacker21]

Just recently my steering wheel is making clunking/ticking noises when I turn the wheel (either way). They aren't loud and aren't noticeable when driving - however at a stoplight you can hear them when you turn the steering wheel. I can feel the clunk/twang/tick very well in the gas/break pedals or floorboard.

The ticking/clunking is not consistent while turning - so say you turn the wheel half way to the right = 1 clunk/tick noise. Turn it again for a full 180 - it will clunk 3-4 times in a row really quickly.

No noticeable problems so I'm happy with it as it doesn't bother me much. Just wondering - anything I should be worried about/have checked?

Car: 2004 Pontiac Sunfire. 103,900 miles. Power steering changed to Valvoline synthetic PS around 70,000 miles (around there). Power steering fluid level is checked religiously along with oil every few days. It is right where it should be.

Thanks for any advice, similar experiences, comments, questions!

 

[porcupine73]

Hm...maybe cv joints? Those sometimes get to clicking and clacking when they go bad. Ball joint sticking? McPherson style struts usually have a bearing of some sort in the upper strut mount; sometimes if those age they can start to stick and bind and pop

 

[MrCritical]

GM bulletin 07-02-32-006. Lubricate the intermediate steering shaft.

 

[OriginHacker21]

Hmm ok - looks like I'll be heading to a local mechanic and ask him to check porcupine73 - struts, cv joints, bearings, etc... And to MrCritical - lubricate the intermediate steering shaft.

Is it bad to keep driving with this going on?

 

[porcupine73]

Just tell them what problem you're having and let them determine the cause. If it's a common issue, often there is a bulletin or TSB issued so the one MrCritical mentioned might be exactly what you need.

 

[OriginHacker21]

Awesome - thank you TheCritical and porcupine73 for all the help!

 

[MrCritical]

If it's the int. shaft, it's an annoyance only.

 

[OriginHacker21]

Yep, took it to a small mechanic shop. They said your internet friend was right - had to lube the steering shaft. Took 15 mins and $120 later and I was on the road again. The steering noises/feeling was gone. Perfect!

Thanks a lot MrCritical and porcupine73!

 

[mechtech2]

You diagnose it, they spend 15 minutes, and they get $480.00 an hour??