If I'm turning the steering to get out of a park or trying to make a u-turn, I get this click- click-click sound coming from the front driver side suspension. I took the car to my friend's shop and had it looked at. Conclusion is, when the car is in the alignment lift and you mimic the turning motion the clicking is coming from the Outer Tie Rod. And I know this because when I hold the Control arms while someone is turning you don't feel the click, BUT if you hold the tie rod you feel the click.
Has this happen to anyone, or is it the Inner Tie Rod, or can it the Rack?
One mechanic said, even though you don't see it that there is play in the outer tie rod, but the other mechanic said it just could be the rack..... I need opinions.
A torn or compromised rubber boot is virtually a guarantee that your ball joint is toast or about to become toast. The ball joint (like your shoulder joint) moves in 3D unlike hinged joints. This requires extremely tight tolerances and permanent lubrication (grease). Once the boot is compromised, any contamination (road salt, sand, etc.) will rapidly degrade the friction surfaces. The slightest degradation allows excessive movement within the ball joint. Excessive movement creates noises during suspension movement. If you grab your ball joint and it moves easily, it is toast.
If you choose to replace your tie rods (and any other suspension components), please report back if this resolves your problems.
I understand exactly what you're saying, but i'm confused as to exactly which Ball Joint you're talking about? Is it the one the located in the outer Tie Rod or is there another one in the rubber boot or something?
If you look at the tie rod (attached), you will see there are two boots. The large inner corrugated boot (#2) covers the inner ball joint and a small (can't really see it in the picture) covers the outer ball joint (#8). If either cover is damaged or compromised, it is an indicator that the ball joints have also been damaged. Most often, suspension related noises (clunking) are most often due to a failed/failing ball joint, most typically the sway bar link.
In any case, I ordered the OEM tie rod which comes with the inner and outer ball joints. In my case the inner ball joint should definitely be the culprit since boot #2 is broken.
Do you have to put new grease when you install the new one or just clean and make sure there is no debris?
Just an update, I changed the tie rod and the clicking noise is now gone...everything is perfect with that so thanks for your help guys.
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