I heard a crack when turing the steering wheel (Engine off)

[Infinitiguy19]

Today I ventured out to check the thickness of the brake pads on my Q. I figured I could see the right side (passenger) better if I turned the wheel all the way to the right. When I hit what I thought was the steering stopper I heard a crack and I stop the instant I heard it.

Now I have a spare steering sensor for the air bag but I doubt I can turn the wheel far enough to break it. And I turned the car on to check and the air bag light is not staying on after 10 seconds.

I never did bolt down the steering column covers (I have yet to check them to see if they are broken). The crack did sound like a plastic breaking sound and it is 80*F.

Now I know I have done my share of asking easily answered and sometimes dumb questions. But I also tried to pay back this forum by answering other peoples questions to the best of my knowledge. So please what do you guys think this could be?

[Infinitiguy19]

C'mon guys...

I checked the combination switch and wiper switch and they both work as they should....

Hopefully there was something plastic under the tires...?

[qship96]

you need to isolate the source of the noise- did it sound like it came from in the car,under the car,or under the hood?

[Infinitiguy19]

It defiantly came from inside the car near the steering column area. But I am afraid to reproduce the same noise (No warranty)

[qship96]

if you checked arond the column and didnt find anything, dont worry about it- take it for a drive and double check that the turn signal auto cancellation function still works and move on......how were the brake pads by the way? I need to check my fronts also, as they now have 83K on them.

[Infinitiguy19]

Started it up and it idled a littler rougher than normal... Who cares as long as the steering wheel is fine, Just another issue on the list. But it drives fine and I heard a plastic noise coming from the tire but that went away after a few feet. So I am guessing a piece of plastic was stuck on the tire.

Mine were past the 2MM minimum and I very surprised the sensor did not go off, That's what I get for cheapo pads. OEM new are going on now!

I feel a little better now.

[Q451990]

Yeah... I think I'd chalk that up to a "keep an ear out for it" to happen again type of deal and try not to worry about it. It doesn't sound like anything in particular that I've heard of before.

Heath

[Infinitiguy19]

Yeah.... I replaced both front brake pads today and the job was easier than I though. I mean seriously the Throttle Body is harder to remove than the brake pads. But being a Q all the stuff that lasts a long time is easier than all the stuff that last 3K-10K miles.

I didn't bleed the brakes because the fluid is clear as it is. Damn though I could do this all day, For FREE! <$100 for a brake job and that's just labor...Ha

The weird thing is that when I was pushing back one of the two pistons on the Front Left (FL) caliper a little brake fluid came out of the seal. Does that mean she needs to be rebuilt?

[qship96]

sounds like a reseal kit is in your immediate future- cheap from Joe. How much were the front brake pads? did you need the hardware kit too?

[Infinitiguy19]

The pad retainers were clean as can be, I suppose the grease keeps them rust free. But are you talking about the shims?

The Pads were $73 and the caliper overhaul kit is $35 less shipping. So I will just get a whole re-manufactured caliper to save me some time.

One of the pads had a crack in it that I almost missed.

https://picasaweb.google.com/ppastos/Af ... directlink

Never again will I go with aftermarket pads unless I am forced too.