There was another thread I made (which didn't get many hits at all) concerning my suspension problems. It first began with an absolutely poor alignment that was done by a shop. Rattling and off-centered steering was apparent. After my AutoX event on 6/25, it became much more apparent. Large amounts of suspension clunking at all speeds including at stops (which was felt through the steering wheel) and some creaking when turning the wheel at low speeds or at a stop.

I tried to diagnose it and torqued all major bolts for the suspension components. No help at all. alz0rz came over a few days ago to help me further diagnose the situation. He tightened the end-links some more (thought they weren't very loose at all). That pretty much removed all clunking.

Though the clunking was gone. We were left with the creaking when turning the steering wheel at a stop. THe majority of the sound came from the driver side front (taking into consideration that the column and rack is further to the driver side). PB blaster was sprayed onto steering linkages and the U joint on steering column. As I turned the steering wheel left and right (lock to lock), the creaking was still there. Except this time, the steering got increasingly tight with each movement. It finally came to the point where it felt like there was no power assist AFTER a quarter or half a turn of the steering wheel in either direction at a stop or VERY low crawling speed. As if I have a manual steering rack. All this in addition to the creaking.

We took it for a drive around the block, and it was fine for 90 degree slow corners. But when coming to a stop or a crawling speed, it would have high tension after a half a turn or so. I tried restarting the car after 10 minutes to see if it helped. THe steering was fully assisted for the first lock to lock turn, but then it would increasingly build tension again after. We also had the car up while turning it, and it was fine. No jamming or any irregular tension. And another thing to mention is that the creaking from teh suspension can be heard when backing slowly into my driveway.

Any ideas for this dilemma of mine?

 

So the creaking and steering binding happens only when the weight of the front end is loaded on the suspension and is fine when the front end is lifted?

 

Yes, exactly.

 

Do you have aftermarket suspension? (I didn't read your other thread BTW.) I'm wondering because I recall a thread... Oh found it: https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-trouble-shooting-95/loud-clunking-noise-front-suspension-216184/

 

I only have Progress Tech springs (stock everything 04 GT) which was previously on alz0rz' RX-8 and was just fine. After installation, everything ran smooth for the 100-150 miles before my alignment. There was suspension clunking when going over bumps, but that was taken care of by further tightening the end-links. Now the main issue is the creaking and steering binding/tension.

The creaking that I get from turning the steering wheel can also be recreated when moving back and forth in my driveway (clutch in/out crawling speeds) without touching the steering wheel.

 

It looks pretty tough to pinpoint without using a mechanics stethoscope.
Harbor Freight has them pretty cheap. For example, I find them quite handy for honing in on ground zero for interior squeaks and rattles.

It's a good thing you can recreate the noise while turning the steering wheel when car is stationary. Get a friend to turn the wheel and you can "cast a wide net" and gradually "reel" into the source of the noise.

 

Thanks. I will make the trip to Harbor Freight when I get the chance. Any other suggestions?

 

Sorry. There's not much more that I can offer from my scant experience.

The stethoscope will help you pinpoint the source location if you can recreate the noise when the car is stationary, but you'll likely need chassis ears (much more expensive) if you can only recreate the noise when the car is moving.

Here's a simple guide for noise troubleshooting and how chassis ears/stethoscopes are used. http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...ssis_ears.html

 

You tightened the endlinks with the suspension loaded, ie. car on the ground, right?

It almost sounds like a problem with the power steering system itself, based on your description. The belt isn't too loose or tight, is it? Res is full?

 

I think it was in one of the referenced threads, but here it is again..

This sounds like you aftermarket sways with poly bushings. The factory rubber ones do not need grease, these do. The little packet that comes with them is good for about 10 months, then the bar sticks. When it breaks loose, it makes a clunk that is a lot like every other loose front end sound that exists.

Check https://www.rx8club.com/showpost.php...0&postcount=10 for what I did.

 

It was tightened when the car was up. All belts have not been tampered with before and after the problem. The tension is fine on them.

Res?



I have not greased them yet, but I will try. I do get some creaks and clunks (rarely) after tightening the end-link.

I dont think the sway bars would translate into the tension in the steering. Correct me if im wrong.

 

Only thought there is that something is getting hot, and not working. Either the wires leading to the rack, a connection, or the motor itself. A thought would be to check all the connectors. You could also try pointing a non-contact thermometer at the motor during the side to side test and see if it gets hot. It is not easy to get a hand on it while running, nor is it all that safe. You could feel it, test to where the steering goes away, then feel it again. Assume the second time that it is going to be really hot and be careful.

Good luck.