[farina43537]

As the title says my front end clunks , not a heavy type of clunk. Driving along not too fast I hit a bump and there it goes. I raised the car and had an assistant wiggle the steering wheel. There’s a distinct clunking coming from what appears to be inside the steering rack. There is no external movement of the rack itself. Is this what I fear...time for a new rack? I have 190k mi. It looks like a real fun job too!

 

[Submariner409]

Before you condemn the steering rack check the lower control arm bushings, the sway bar end links, the steering tie rod ends, upper strut bearings, and lastly, the steering intermediate shaft.

 

[farina43537]

I’ve had a lot of work done on the front end. New struts, checked and tight, new link pins, the correct ones this time. The outer tie rods are tight and well greased. The steering coupler I have not checked. I was under the beast last night and it’s very tight there. Is the coupler under the boot on top of the rack? When I put my hand on the rack though I can feel the clunk. That could be transmitted from the coupler I guess. What about inner tie rods? Would that be a reasonable source for the noise? Also the rack is clean and rather dry, it doesn’t look “bad”.

 

[Submariner409]

Yes, the "coupler" is a sliding universal joint referred to as the "intermediate steering shaft" and has been a source of creaks and noises in these FWD cars for years.

Google "cadillac forums seville deville fwd intermediate steering shaft".

Not saying that's your problem, but it's a fairly common source of noises, especially in the 1998 and later FWD Northstar models.

 

[farina43537]

From what I’ve read I’m leaning toward the intermediate shaft. Thanks for the information. That’s much better than the rack by a long shot.

 

[victus]

A definite cause of clunks are worn or deteriorated rubber on the torque struts and the left and right transmission mounts and the motor mount. these parts can be purchased in sets for less than $100. the torque struts can be easily replaced but the motor and trans mounts must be replaced from under the vehicle