[jjjbowen]

After purchasing new tires I had my suspension checked to make sure all is well and have a 4 wheel alignment done. After the inspection the mechanic advised me my tie rods were starting to go. They even went to the liberty to demonstrate which I have confirmed was accurate with other mechanics. So I had them replaced and then the 4 wheel alignment. Well ever since I had it done (first week)my suspension seemed strange. It didn't handle like it did, plus my alignment seems to pull to the right. I took it back and they stated it was set to factory limits and nothing further could be done. Frustrated I left. Now, 3 weeks later, I'm starting to hear a popping sound when turning the vehicle at slow speeds. Doesn't matter which direction either and it seems to be getting worse. Can someone please help??? Sorry for the long post.

 

[smachan]

strut mount bearings. sounds like what it is, mine does the same thing. nothing to serious, but i would look into changing them.

 

[Spoon]

My mechanic told me the same thing. The strut mount bearings are stiffened up, and your springs turn with your front tires when you steer. They aren't to bad to replace, but I haven't replaced mine for a year, and I see no problem but slightly stiff steering and the annoying popping noise at slow speeds when steering in a parking lot.

 

[jjjbowen]

But I have noticed my car doesn't handle like it did. Should I start considering new springs and shocks and would that help or fix the problem?

 

[jiffy6969]

Sounds like they f&cked something up if it ain't handling properly. ESPECIALLY if you know it started doing it only after they messed with it. Did you have Sears do it? If so, take it to another Sears, they will back it up. Sears is bad about not calibrating their sh!t! Most of the time, their technicians are just hired thugs that don't know sh!t about how alignments even work.

You might try getting it inspected elsewhere, they might find something different.

I would tell them to go F&ck themselves if they say nothing can be done. That is childish, and a lie! I guarantee you something can be done--those idiots just don't want to work it sounds like.

 

[jjjbowen]

jiffy6969

Damn that was a good guess bro. I did take it to Sears. I think I will take your advice I just met one of my neighbors the other day who works at a closer Sears (went to different Sears because of price difference). He is a mechanic and I bet he would hook me up or know someone who could.

P.S. A week after goin' to Sears I went to another mechanic and he installed my new Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch. I went back to him for the popping sound and the owner stated it was probably the cv joint. I stated I didn't think so and another mechanic there drove it and said that it is probably the struts.

Please keep givin' advice until I can get someone honest to look at it.

Thanks for everyone's help

 

[jiffy6969]

I figured it was Sears. Luckily, in Dallas (Garland) there is a real good place to go Garland Safety and Alignment or something like that. I've never been, but I've had like 4 or 5 co-workers tell me they are honest as heck, and replace only what you need, and reasonable prices--and know what they are doing.

CV joints generally don't pop, it is more of a clicking noise, and only happens when turning and acclerating a the same time. So if you are "coasting" Or out of gear and turning, and it is popping, that probably ain't the CV joints--unless they're real real bad.

OH, I feel the need to point out that not all Sears's shop mechanic dudes are bad. I have had a few good experiences with sears service dept. They replaced a tie rod end on my sister's car (didn't have time to take it to Garland), and we haven't had problems since.

It is that "nothing we can do" attitude you run into alot that p!sses me off!


[Edited by jiffy6969 on 03-28-2001 at 01:42 PM]