L series steering noises

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apg39
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Joined: Wed May 11, 2011 8:39 pm
Location: Wa

L series steering noises

Post by apg39 » Sat Aug 06, 2011 11:37 am

Got 2 noises related to the steering in my L series (no power steer).

First one is a clunking, speeds up with revs & generally happens around right hand turns & more often on round-a-bouts at a slower speed. The CV's were done prior to me buying it so based on a few searches on here I need to look at ball joints & various bushes?

Second is a rubbing noise that happens usually at very slow speeds (parking car) occasionally, feels like it is in the steering wheel. Noise is loud & sounds like a dull metal grind?

Can anyone point me in the direction to instructions on checking all the steering joints/bushes & how they SHOULD be. This is the oldest car I've had so haven't really had to bother with steering on the others.

Ideally want to do a power steering upgrade but yet to find a direct swap from another L series I can install.
Cheers,
Andrew

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apg39
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Posts: 106
Joined: Wed May 11, 2011 8:39 pm
Location: Wa

Post by apg39 » Sat Aug 20, 2011 3:39 pm

Bump on this because I have another one.

Only happened a few times but so far been when I'm turning left with still some braking pressure (not there if not braking). Sounds like a dull squeal that is very loud, not the high pitched low brake pad squeal. Hoping its something small but I'll pull it apart in the workshop on Monday to check.

Any ideas?
Cheers,
Andrew

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El_Freddo
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Post by El_Freddo » Sat Aug 20, 2011 7:25 pm

First one is most likely a strut on a slight bit of compression - it won't do it in a straight line but once turned it's always there - more pronounced over a bump.

Second is probably the tyre scrub that occurs at tight turns at low speeds. This is normal for the L series, you will feel the steering kind of "lock" once you hit full lock - this is just the factory geometry of the steering system on the L series.

And the third one could be worn brake pads - check their depth of meat left as you might have a tiny bit of metal on metal action going on... A new set of pads will sort this out, have fun winding the calliper's piston back in, you'll need to make up a tool or painfully use some long nosed pliers to do the job.

I hope his gets everything sorted for you ;)

Cheers

Bennie
"The lounge room is not a workshop..."
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