nichigo

I realize I could post this in the Under The Hood section, but I've done a search there and all I've seen were speculation posts about this issue. I did not start experiencing this issue until about a month ago after I Autocrossed the car. I've done research online about this issue and have not found any solid causes yet.

I figured I'd try my luck by posting here to see if anyone that tracks in any capacity may have experienced this.

The Symptoms

• "Popping" sound when I turn the steering wheel left or right.
• Only happens at a stand still.
• Pop cannot be felt OR heard while car is in motion (even at a crawl).
• Vibration of pop can be felt through the brake pedal, steering wheel, as well as all the front suspension compononents.
• Sounds seems to be loudest at the steering rack.
• Only happens after the car has been driven for a minute or two (no sound when I first start up the car for the day).

Other Details

• Popping started during my last Auto-cross session.
• Took it to a shop, but was unable to diagnose the problem in the time we had.
• All front end suspension bolts were re-torqued, but sound did not go away.

If anyone has had direct experience to this and found a SOLID solution, please let me know. I've already read up on all the possible causes, but would like to hear of anyone experiencing and resolving this first hand. I'll be taking the car back to the shop in about a week, but would like to get a headstart on what would be best to start looking at.

TIA

robinson

What mods do you have?

nichigo

As far as mods that could possibly be related to this:

18x10.5 +15 ssr type fs
265 hankook rs3s
Custom valved Arrows Bilstein coilovers (18k/18k hyperco springs)
Suspension technique front sway bar

Dipstick

Check for a loose steering rack - bolts are accessible from above so it's the easiest thing to check 1st. My 00 had a loose rack after many track miles...
If it's a 00-01, I'd also check the upper A-arm mount points (fatigue crack at the spot welds).

TTMartin

Sounds like something is messed up inside your steering rack.

CKit

Agree 100%. Also check that your swaybar isn't binding when you turn the wheel.

I'd put the car up on four jackstands and see if you can reproduce the problem. Have a friend watch and listen. Then remove front wheels and repeat. Definitely get your head in the wheel wells with a flashlight and take a careful look. A pop that you can FEEL should be addressed as it could become a safety issue.

nichigo

Thanks for the input eveyrone...when i go back to the shop on Friday, I'll have them check the rack bolts, CV joints, as well as the swaybar.