|
|
|
|
 |
shohei_civic
 |
|
Hello!
I posted a message a while back about handling problems, and I was asking a question more related to suspension (which is why I'm making a new thread), but now I was wondering about steering components.
(btw - thanks to howlinbjk for the suggestion on the last post, but they are ok)
I have had my suspension checked numerous times, and have had a few full alignments in the past year, and yet my steering seems to be wandering.
The last mechanic I took it to told me that it could be something to do with my steering and not suspension system.
Symptoms I find:
-When driving at lower speeds (~70km/h), it feels like I have to do more steering than usual to accomplish the same amount of turn radius
-Driving higher speeds, particularily on the highway, my car seems to wander. Left, right... but getting it to stay center is hard.
-When driving at any speed, I seem to have to always have the wheel a little to the right to keep the car straight, and when I brake hard it pulls to the left a bit if I don't hold the wheel tight.
-There is a small/light "clunk" sound in the driver/front wheel area, that is brief and happens when I go over bumps that go inward to the ground (I guess there is play somewhere when the wheel drops quickly).
-I have the light sensation of body roll while turning, but according to mechanics, my shocks/springs/etc etc are in good condition.
I have always been asking mechanics to check the suspension, and my last visit to one told me it "could" be a steering problem... Due to lack of free time (work, work, work!) I didn't have time to get that checked well. Is it possible that something is wrong with my steering assembly? Are there parts related to it that mechanics wouldn't check for when I ask them to check suspension??
There is no wheel play ... and with the light clunk I'm curious if there is something from the steering column to the wheels that could be the cause. I have new tires on front, old on back... some people suggest it could be them... but I can't believe that tires can be the main cause of this.
Sorry to post a similar question again, but I have taken my car in many times, and have been also paying money to have it checked, and they all say its ok when I know it isn't... it's driving me up the wall!!!!!!!!
Any input is HIGHLY appreciated!!!
Thanks,
Joshua
|
AL CAM
|
|
|
check the nut that hold the wheel in place then the rack and pinion.
|
reader3472
|
|
|
You can check the steering shaft u-joints to see if they are worn. That could explain the play you seem to have. You have ,I believe, at least two u-joints maybe more if the steering wheel is adjustable. Also check that the rack bolts are not loose. It might also be your tires.
|
shohei_civic
|
|
Yes, the last mechanic told me my tires are cheap and the walls are weak and the texture of the rubber isn't good. While I am not ruling this out as a problem, the way the car handles seems like it is just more than tires.
I do have tilt, and my car was lowered a couple years ago (swapped it back to original when I realized I was a poser)... would that have put extra wear and tear on it?
Thanks for the quick response to you and AL CAM.
REALLY appreciate it!
Josh [going crazy]
|
AL CAM
|
|
|
it is possible.
|
CivicB18
|
|
Im having the same problem/symptoms with my 1995 Civic Ex sedan. If Im sitting still and turn the wheel left to right repeatedly I hear a knocking sound, and its getting louder. If Im on gravel or a very rough surface it makes the same noise.
Ive raised the car up several times to check different things and I cant find anything loose or out of place. But after putting some front brake pads on Sunday I saw a few bushings that I could replace, could this be the culprit?
Patrick
|
shohei_civic
|
|
Patrick,
Yes, I had bad bushings. Had them replaced, which helped some of the rattling and handling problems (and definitely seemed to be the root of the cause) but I still have problems.
It seems like it is getting worse too, but my mechanic assures me it is safe.
Josh
|
b16a1HF
|
|
I had a handling problem, but no noise with my 88 crx...(i am replying because the technology should all be the same?) my problem turned out to be my "steering effort adjuster" located on the rack and pinion. this is like a double nut set up. back one off adjust the other tighten the first back up take it for a drive and adjust accordingly. car tracks down the road 100% better!!
hope that solves the steering deal--as far as tires ehh they shouldn't make you uncomfortable driving unless flat! Clunking, well 1 of 2 things happen as a car ages...either bolts and sh** gets tighter and seizes up or gets loose and comes appart--take previous advice and check "U's" and ball joints and such; replacing bushings----well that would make you da man!! bushings are always good!!
Chris
|
shohei_civic
|
|
Chris,
Your comment is a breath of fresh air! Something I definitely know has not been brought up before (steering effort adjuster).
I am at work right now... Will get that checked out ASAP and reply with results.
Thank you for your suggestion... Hopefully this is it
Joshua
|
|
|
| |
|
| Thread Page - [1] |
| |
|
![[home]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/home.gif){kind=small}
![[rumors and news]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/rumors.gif){kind=small}
![[model release matrix]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/newmodelreleasematrix.gif){kind=small}
![[dealer network]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/dealernet.gif){kind=small}
![[desktop calendar]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/calendar.gif){kind=small}
![[exhaust notes]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/exhaust.gif){kind=small}
![[tov forums]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/forums.gif){kind=small}
![[links]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/links.gif){kind=small}
![[search]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/search.gif){kind=small}
![[sponsors]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/sponsors.gif){kind=small}
![[garage]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/garage.gif){kind=small}
![[login]](http://sohc.vtec.net/elem04/login.gif){kind=small}
