Steering Thump

[RatedR]

Hey guys~! I've noticed that my car would have a slight, but noticable, thump in the front driver side wheel when I completely turn the wheel over to the left. I wasn't sure if this is something to worry about, doesn't really disturb the steering on regular driving sessions....I only noticed this after I took out my car for a quick drift session. I drifted to the left constantly and not to the right, then after the session, I heard a humming/buzzing noise coming from the motor and the steering felt loose to the left and stiff to the right. I jerked the wheel back N forth a couple times and the steering went back to normal. So now I only have that little "Thumping" noise to look out for.

Any thoughts?

[slow s13]

Sounds like it could be your tension rod bushing to me.

http://www.pdm-racing.com/prod....html

[moses]

That thump seems pretty common. I had it for a long time without it ever being a problem, besides annoying. I have replaced TC rod bushing, springs, shocks, and sway bars, and still have the problem, although not as severe. My thought is that it is either the steering arm linkage/bushing, or a spring that is not perfectly seated.

[b240]

i plan on replacing all bushings in my s13. They seem to go out rather fast.

[Luke]

I replaced my TC rod bushings with the whiteline polyurethanes and i don't have that thump anymore. It also makes the steering so much more responsive (my original bushings were cracked up and leaking)

[red240ne]

I just did the exact same thing Luke. I got mine put in yesterday. Took it for a test drive today(for 3 hours)...It's the BEST upgrade I've done to my car thus far. My bushings were totally split. This is a VERY easy upgrade, and is recommended. A++++++++

[RatedR]

Thanks guys~! I'll look into my TC rod bushings. Appreciate the help~!

[Rownan]

This is a VERY easy upgrade, and is recommended. A++++++++

Never assign a difficulty level to a job you didn't do. heh :pface

[red240ne]

Never assign a difficulty level to a job you didn't do. heh :pface

?didn't do? what are you talking about?

I put them in myself if that's what you're talking about.

[Rownan]

?didn't do? what are you talking about?

I put them in myself if that's what you're talking about.

Ah I see. Sorry! :oface

Thought you said you had them put in. :oface

[Luke]

I got mine put in yesterday.

lol, well i didn't have the right tools to press the bushings in and out so i took the rods to a local shop and paid like $40 for him to do it

[SRJesse]

I have been having the same problem. When I looked underneath the car my right bushing is completely gone. The other day coming home from school on the highway it scared the hell out of me cause me steering was all over the place and felt like I lost control. Can this happen? Is it possible when I am driving I wont be able to control the vehicle? I ordered the TC Bushings from PDM-Racing but they are out of stock and I have to wait till next week. Let me know if this is dangerous to continue to drive or not. Thanks guys....

~Jesse

[moses]

Wow, completely gone!Never heard of that. I would say that it is very dangerous to drive on that, especially on the freeway. You might be ok around town. With a bad bushing, steering is sloppy, with no bushing, your wheels could be practically going different directions.

[Dragon240]

Sounds like this may be one of my problems. My car is fine in town. Pretty responsive steering and all. But if I get over say 85 the steering gets real sloppy to the point i feel it is necessary to hold on to the wheel with both hands and it feels almost like I'm caught in a real bad crosswind but it switches sides like i'm almost being pushed back and forth on my front end from side to side. Thoughts?

[ricebike]

might be your tie rod ends as well... my steering was "squirrelly" & had the outer tie rods replaced... seems better now...

PS: still driving around w/ blown TC rod bushings w/ no major problems as you have described.