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B15 Spec V Steering Popping w/video

5089 Views 36 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  Delivery Dave
Hey guys, so before I got this car, the previous owner noted that it needed new outer tie rods. When I test drove it I didn't notice any clicking or popping sounds when steering. This popping sound it makes is only at idle or very low speeds, such as making a 3 point turn. I replaced the outer tie rods but noticed the inners were also bad as well as one of the CV joints. My apartment complex started doing a retrofitting for earthquakes and so I can't really work under my car anymore since I have to park on the street. So I took it to a shop and they replaced both inners, both CV joints, both lower control arms w/ball joints, both wheel bearings (they were also bad) and tightened everything they could and it still makes the sound. The guy couldn't figure out what it was. I've read that it could be bad strut bearings or a bad rack and pinion.

Also, when I had the front on jacks, when I was replacing the outers, I went lock to lock and it never made a sound, so it's only when the springs are under load.
This is the suspension setup from the previous owner if that helps also:
Koni Yellow Shocks at 55%
1.5in drop Lowering Springs

I haven't found an exact answer so here's a video of me steering lock to lock at idle a few times. I'm hoping someone has experienced this exact noise and symptom and has a solution.

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Well, I replaced the end links. Still is popping. I did notice the sway bar bushings look a little torn up so I will be replacing those next. I did confirm that while the car was lifted in the front and with the accessory on, it did not make the popping sound or feeling. I'm not sure if it makes a difference to have the car actually running while doing that but I didn't think about that until after I finished haha. I didn't have a chance to look at the knuckle either since I was by myself.
From the pictures the angle of the inner tie rods seems to be high. Perhaps it’s just the angle of the picture. But if the angle is high then you may have the rubber boot catching and then popping out as the boot stretches.
For anyone who is looking at this post, it is supposedly a bad strut and strut mount. I will be getting the BC Coilovers sometime in the future to replace my current setup and will report back to this thread if the issue persists or not.
Sorry it took 100 years but I finally got BC Coilovers and was able to install at least the fronts today along with the 10mm ALK spacers. Anddddd the popping is still there😔😔

So I'm assuming it has to be the rack and pinion or am I completely missing something?
I'm in the same boat as you. My noise has gotten worse and worse. I'm leaning towards steering rack too. I've basically replaced and checked everything else and consulted with more than 5 mechanics.

Sucks because my rack doesn't leak or anything and only thing they sell is refurbished units.
This website seems to be a good option. Lifetime warranty when you send in your core and it comes with inner tie rods. I might have to do this but I don't know what I would do if replacing it didn't fix it.
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FYI: my issue ended up being the snap ring on my wheel bearing causing it to be not properly set (bent when pressed in by another mech). Sucks that such an issue caused a huge headache and money (paid way too much for diagnostic : (
Dam. the snap ring should have been putin last.
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It really sucks when I have to pay so much to fix someone's error. I actually trusted the guy since he always set me up with a custom alignment at good prices. Didn't know he was a hack when it came to stuff like this. I should have known something was wrong with the rest of his work when my wheels almost fell off when he forgot to tighten my lug nuts.
NEW RACK IS IN AND CLUNKING IS GONE!

Got the 2.5L rack from Rackdoctor as well as the Superpro rack bushing from 2JR. Steering also feels heavier and tighter now.

Now it's time to get this thing aligned and corner balanced🙌
That's good, unfortunately it's a pita to trouble shoot the popping and not reappear after replacing it.
That's good, unfortunately it's a pita to trouble shoot the popping and not reappear after replacing it.
Yeah I'm really hoping it doesn't just come back after all of this.
Well if it does it will be from an item that does wear
Good to hear, bud.
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DId you ever find a resolution here? I'm having the same issue and am thinking it's the intermediate steering shaft.
It was the steering rack. Though I have a new and different clunk that just started recently that I need to figure out haha
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I've seen your profile -you're a busy man. Thanks for responding to my first post, & keep motorin'!
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