steering problem

[Dave.]

checking through the nova today, when you turn the wheel left, theres a loud clunking noise, it sounds like play in the colum/rack oint, it only does it when turned left though, not right, anyone have any idea what it could be, its like a very low clunk, hope its not a new rack time :(

[mowgli]

maybe a cv

[Steve]

Is that the only time it does it? not under acceleration/ de-acceleration?

Sounds like it could be a cv joint

[Timmy]

wheel bearing maybe LOL they rattel well when there dead

[Iain]

If you suspect it's the rack then wiggle the wheels side to side to create the clunking noise and hold various parts to feel for excess movement. I had a similar symptom caused by the rack giving up.

[Adam]

Can be a lot of things.
Check for play in the bottom arm balljoints/topmounts/rack etc.

[mikey14sr]

Don't discount the universal joint clamp bolts having come loose either, although it's more likely to be track-rod-end, bottom ball joint, TCA bush, tie-rod bush or wheel bearing. Get the wheel in the air and give it a good shake about, if there is play in any of those components thats how you'll find it.

[craig green]

Track rod end likely. Thers bearings in the upper column too which you'll feel as movement in the steering wheel.

[Dave.]

heres a video of the clunk

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h80/x_novadose_x/th_MOV00178.jpg (http://s61.photobucket.com/albums/h80/x_novadose_x/?action=view&current=MOV00178.flv)

it is defo coming from the bottom of the colum somewhere

[Lee-170]

my nova used to clunk when turning to the right i tightened the spring in the rack and it stopped dont over tighten it though or the steering wheel wont self-centre :thumb:

[just vaux trev]

sounds more like a bush gone on the column or uj clamp as said than cv,rack