Question about clicking sound in steering wheel

[Hop76]

Hello,

I own a 1995 Nissan-Datsun 200SX car with about 160K miles on it. When I turn the steering wheel left or right (moving or when the car is stationary), I hear a clicking sound. Its as if a marble is running inside the steering wheel.

Questions:
1) What could be the reason for this sound?

2) Is it dangerous to drive until this issue is fixed?

3) Can I wait for a week to fix it or should it be fixed tomorrow?

Thank you!

[centralcoaster33]

Hi and welcome to the forums. Because your car is 1995, it is not a Datsun. Also, the 200sx is two different cars, depending on what country you live in. You could put your car and location into your user profile. So I'm a little confused and you get two answers.

For North America, the 200sx is a front wheel drive car. I think if that is your car, you may have bad CV joints. Check out a video by searching for "bad CV joint sound" and turn up your volume and listen to that. Is that the same sound? If so, get a price quote from a few places and have them put in new axle assemblies. The parts are about $90-100 USD for the pair, so keep track of the labor cost in their quotes. You can drive with bad CV joints for like, years. But don't, they'll fail eventually so plan to get them fixed and do it as soon as it's convenient. Hmm, bad CV joints only make noise when moving, but you say you get the same when stationary. This makes me think it's the steering rack. See below.

In other parts of the world, the 200sx is a rear wheel drive coupe. I think if that is your car, you may have a steering rack that is internally broken. You would have issues turning your wheels. You'd need to have it replaced, possibly rebuilt... soon. That would most likely not be safe to drive around, just maybe limp to the mechanics shop. If it was the power steering pump, you'd hear it from under the hood, likely even when not turning the wheels. Maybe pop the hood and roll down the windows, turn your steering wheel and listen for the sounds. Maybe have someone else steer while you poke your head around the rack, pump and wheels to locate the source of the sound. Be careful and don't get ran over!

Do you get any sounds when idling while parked (not steering or anything)? Do you feel any of the clicks when you steer?

[Hop76]

Hello centralcoaster33 ,

Thanks a lot for such a detailed reply!

I am in US and the car is a front wheel drive. The sound in my car is contained within the wheel itself. I tried what you suggested : pop the hood, roll the windows down and look for other sources of the sound, but I did not hear anything else. I do not hear any sound when the car is idling while parked without steering. Also, I have to start the car when I am idle and turn the wheel left or right (or when moving) for me to hear the sound.

When I looked up the videos of "bad CV joint" and "steering rack noise", those sounds are very different -- they are louder and seem to be coming from beyond the steering wheel and go on for a lot longer. The sound in my car seems like as if a marble is stuck inside the steering wheel and its running around inside the wheel when I am turning it left or right. So, I guess a click is not the proper description.

I did call up a bunch of full service garages and they pretty much quoted the price you mentioned. I am always hesitant to go with named stores like Meinke and Firestone. They are open on weekends.
Do you suggest I take my car there?

With the above information, does it still seem like a CV joint or steering rack problem?

Thank you!

[centralcoaster33]

Okay, thanks for checking some more and writing back. Scratch the CV joints thing. It could be the steering rack I suppose, but I'm leaning away from that for now. I looked for your factory service manual but did not find it. So, I looked at a 1995 Sentra FSM. You can download your own copy. See the "Service Manuals" link at the top of the webpage or see the link below to the ST chapter. On page ST-8 it starts talking about the steering wheel and column. On page ST-11 it mentions inspection of the bearings and jacket. I think you may have a bad bearing. Those have marbles in them! Anyway, check that out and see about getting price quotes for that stuff. I don't know how much of that inspection you'll be able to do on your own.

I like the convenience of any mechanic that is open on weekends. Chain store brand mechanics are hit and miss, just like mom and pops shops. Read your local yelp reviews and remember people often like to complain more than they like to compliment, especially with mechanics!

About the question of driving around, I think you could cruise around a bit when you have to, but heading to the shop should be a priority. The column is probably not going to snap and you lose all steering while driving. I suppose it could seize and become unturnable, but it's a slim chance. Get it diagnosed and fixed soon though, within a pay period?

Here's a link to what I was looking at
http://www.nicoclub.com/service-manual? ... _Sentra/st

[Hop76]

Hello again,

Thanks for the link to the manual and the information about bearings and jacket.

I have usually used the same mechanic at a mom & pop garage for the past 7 years I have owned the car. They are closed for the weekends. I plan on taking it on Monday or Tuesday. I will try not to drive too much for the next 2-3 days.

Thanks again!