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Wheels shudder when turning when the front end is lifted off the ground

427 Views 7 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  dukey33
I've been getting some odd groaning/grinding noise when making sharp turns like into a parking space. PS pump isn't making an unusual amount of noise like I've experienced when pumps in other cars failed. Thinking it might be a front end issue, like tie rods or a wheel bearing, I lifted the front to have a look and nothing out of the ordinary was found.

I then turned the car on and turned the wheel back and forth, and when I turn fast both wheels shake/vibrate rather remarkably. While turning the high pressure hose pulsates. There's plenty of fluid though it's been sometime since I've changed it.

There also appears to be some wetness on reservoir hose. I've never seen a pump failure look like this so I'm afraid the rack may be to blame.

Edit: it tracks and drives fine going straight, no pulling, wandering, shuddering, anything like that, it's just a turning problem.

Thanks
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If its a high pitched squeak, like someone dragging a live squirrel, claws against a chalk board, one of the tie rods or ball joints have a dry socket.

PS hydraulics have a groan. If you can park next to a curb, engine running, in park, turn the tire into the curb and hold, it will load up the hydraulics and reproduce a groan. Fluid flush time.

You could also have failing strut plates in the front. Engine running, in park. Have someone turn the wheel lock to lock. Put your hand on the spring. The spring should turn smoothly with the wheel. If the spring binds, pop, chatters, the strut plate is shot. Replace both sides. Loaded struts are just easier.
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