What the heck is this?

[UndercoverObbie]

Okay. What the hell. Jane's steering wheel decided to go all tippy on me- it's default position is about 35* to the left of center. Until I brake, of course, at which point it jerks back to the correct position. About 5 miles later, it decided that braking in general was a bad idea- it makes an audible popping noise if I brake, and the driver's side corner of the car drops slightly. A few miles after that, it started to pop and creak in general (no braking necessary), and any turns make it even more noisy. Zebra and I both kinda think it's the tie rod, but we could be wrong- any insight? It's getting worse rapidly.

Back to the shop she goes...

[Dynapar]

kick the wheels around a bit. if the tie rod is going there should be alot of play in the wheel. My front drivers went on me, and i could grab the tire and wiggle it back/forth in/out a decent amount. I was having issues where the steering wheel would randomly line up too.

I think its not to $$ to get the part. its a pretty easy fix.

[BlackParis]

.... Jane is the 95 coupe?

Could be a Tierod/Balljoint

BUT MAYBE: (THRUST ANGLE ISSUES) Your rear subframe bushings are probably shot.. My steering wheel did the same thing (off to the left except when braking or engine braking), till I got the Perrin Differential Lock-Down Kit (36$ on Ebay)... Poly Bushings for all the diff mounts, and 2 subframe lockout bolts (dunno if Perrin makes one for GC, But I am sure you can find the same thing elsewhere) Now my steering wheel is ALWAYS straight... and my car has a MUCH more positive turn-in feeling (more looseness in the ass) :twisted:

[martinus]

Take it to your local sears auto, ntb, tire kingdoom or what ever place in your are does alignments.

Tell them you think you need an alignment. They should do free alignment checks. ( Since 95% of the cars on the road are "out" of alignment ... they know they got ya soon as the car rools up there. + its reall easy to sell one that way. )

Anyway they should not be able to do one with bad parts on the car. ( depends on their shadyness ) They will prolly tell you a list of parts that will need installed , before they can align it. Which works out well for them, because they usually stock most of those parts, or can get one from napa real quick.

Soon as they tell you what all you need, tell tham that you dn not have that much money, and get the car and leave ...

Install the parts that you can prolly get cheaper anyway, + you're saving on not paying labor.

You then go to to either the sam eshop or another one, and pay fro the alignment. which you will need anyway ...

[UndercoverObbie]

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c7/Kiishka/P1050003.jpg

Holy broken lower control arm, batman!

Anyway. Mystery solved. Thanks for your help- I may take your advice, martinus ;)

[RoadRunner]

That's not good!
Time to upgrade to the JDM aluminum ones.

[martinus]

Wow. How did that happen ? is that something new ? ... or somthing that was inherited from the previous owner ?

If thats steel, I would not "upgrade" to alu.

[BlackParis]

If GD ones will fit I have a set of stock Steels laying around here that I will sell cheap :-D

[RoadRunner]

GD ones fit, but they widen the track.

What I've heard is that the aluminum ones are actually stronger. Or at least they flex a lot less than steel.

[BlackParis]

GD ones fit, but they widen the track.

What I've heard is that the aluminum ones are actually stronger. Or at least they flex a lot less than steel.

... What I have heard was...

Aluminum STi arms are easier to bend permanately.... But are lighter and increase caster... (good things for handling)

The steels are damn near indestructable, but are hollow and may flex some (may not be noticable), but handling loss is probably more associated with increased weight and less caster...

I have 04 STi control arms, I painted pink, so I dont need my stock steel bulky ones....

And a wider track sounds like a good thing :D

[sebhockey]

Wow, thats a crazy break there. Upgrades are always nice, but at the same time the stronger way is the better route with rally.

[BlueREX04]

If GD ones will fit I have a set of stock Steels laying around here that I will sell cheap :-D

GD FTW!! :mrgreen:

not sure if I would go with the aloy ones eiter...

[lyric911]

If GD ones will fit I have a set of stock Steels laying around here that I will sell cheap :-D

GD FTW!! :mrgreen:

not sure if I would go with the aloy ones eiter...
Steel is an alloy also.

[UndercoverObbie]

Yeah, no idea how I broke it, but I got her back today to the tune of $281. I was lazy and let them do it for me ;)

[BlueREX04]

If GD ones will fit I have a set of stock Steels laying around here that I will sell cheap :-D

GD FTW!! :mrgreen:

not sure if I would go with the aloy ones eiter...
Steel is an alloy also.

Yea I know, but its not fully aluminum which gets to a certain point and just snaps. metal bends first. or there is a flaw in the metal then snaps.

[409industries]

Thats crazy that it was broken this whole time. Glad you got it sorted out...

[lyric911]

If GD ones will fit I have a set of stock Steels laying around here that I will sell cheap :-D

GD FTW!! :mrgreen:

not sure if I would go with the aloy ones eiter...
Steel is an alloy also.

Yea I know, but its not fully aluminum which gets to a certain point and just snaps. metal bends first. or there is a flaw in the metal then snaps.
This post makes my brain hurt.