A couple of steering problems

[dhmatt]

Hi all,

I've got a couple of steering issues on my S2. The first is a little odd, when cornering at speed to the left the drivers side wheel makes a rattley noise like it's rubbing on the wheel arch or a fender but I can't see any evidence of this (wear on the tyre or surrouding area) and there isn't any play in the wheel.
The second is probably a fair bit more straight forward, when parking, so lock to lock steering, there is a knock. Just a bush that needs changing?

Any help much appreciated!

 

[George Elliott]

Matt
I'd fix the second one first, and probably the first one will just disappear.

I would check:
all lower wishbone nuts / bolts are tight (4 each side at the bottom of the strut: two trailing edge, one lead edge, one hub to wishbone ball joint)

then check the lower wishbone ball joint (mentioned above) they are prone to wear on alloy wishbones

then check the anti roll bar bushes x2 sandwich effect to the wishbone & to the drop link circular rubber bush

then check the ARB bushes to the body circular bush

Then check the ball joint : steering rack to the hub

Thats everything at the lower side, then check the top mount swivel bearing,

Also the 4 top mount nuts are secure

Finally the wheel bearing (quite easily adjusted if not worn out)

hope this helps, they are simple old cars once you learn them
others will add thoughts / experience
good luck
George
944t

 

[dhmatt]

Thanks George, I'll have a look tomorrow.
Matt

 

[924nutter]

My 944 doesn't have any fenders.

 

[ChasR]

What George said .

I reckon it will be down to possibly a wheel bearing issue on the RHS wheel, and a bush/balljoint gone somewhere on the front (it could be a bush, but IME you would get some interesting handling characteristics, leaving the top mount as a possibility).

 

[chrisjcoe]

when cornering at speed to the left the drivers side wheel makes a rattley noise like it's rubbing on the wheel arch or a fender

I just had something similar fixed on my S2 a few weeks ago. Steering left under speed/acceleration, big rattle and vibration coming through the steering column, originating from the left side. This is a common fault apparently, but not a cheap one to fix if it's the same as mine. Basically, if you have a failing/failed engine mount, the exhaust manifold can knock against the steering column. This will be a slight rattle at first, but as it gradually collapses it will turn into an almost unbearable shake and could cause a bit of damage. For a better explanation, see this thread.

The Clarks guide for checking your engine mounts is here and well worth a look. The Clarks guide for replacing the mounts is here.

I took it to 3 garages before one was able to identify the problem and confirmed it was the mounts. They (like most I think) were a little reluctant to do the job because they hadn't seen a 944 for over 10 years and had no idea how long it would take to do. The Clarks guide was all they needed to see, but it still set me back £360 to have the mounts changed. It feels like a different car now though!