HELP!! Steering Wheel Noise!!

[Redball]

Hi,
I've got a 1992 Mazda Navajo (Custom Cherry Red). I bought this Beauty in 2002, with a rebuilt engine (1900 miles on the engine, unknown on the body). Never had any problems engine related, replaced clutch, exaust, O2 sensor, Door handles. But Now I've got one that will not go away!! A Clunking oise that is in the steering wheel!! Checked all steering componites so it has to be in the wheel itself. This does'nt happen if I drive straight or hit bumps. Only happens when I turn the wheel pretty sharply (making a corner, Parking ect...) PLEASE HELP!! This has been going on since I bought the trig but has gotten worse since going up some "cat tracks" the other day! Please respond!

 

[Flip4ford]

It's the horn quit hitting the little button!! haha

Check your tie rod ends, and make sure your pitman arm isn't rubbing on your steering linkage (like mine did). If all that is correct check your bearing and ball joints on the fron end.

 

[KPSquared]

Get a buddy to turn the wheel lock to lock while you lie underneath and watch the linkages, tie rods, ball joints, etc... Like Flip4Fords said, if somethings a little tweaked, your steering linkage can bind up with everything turned one way.

Also get a good hold on a tire with all the weight off them and have him turn back and forth while you try and hold it still, you get a good feel if anything at all is loose.

Might be something b/w the wheel and steering box as well. Just figure out where in the rotation it clunks, then focus on that spot...

 

[TREID13]

I know exactly what this is, I had the same problem. Inside the steering wheel itself there is a lead weight. Mine came unglued at one point and started making a loud clunking. Just take the cover off of the wheel and remove the weight.

 

[Redball]

Hey everyone! It was the lead weight!! But instead of removing it (it is a Counter Balance) I duct taped it back in and tightened down the screws behind the wheel. During my exploring its cause I did notice that the front end needed some work! $400 worth!! Thanks to all that replied, now my rig drives PERFECT!!

 

[ebgb]

I had the same problem...I'm going to fix it with a new Grant or some aftermarket kit and install a blue oval on the horn button.
This works for me because I eliminated the cruise...all I want to do is on the street!