Odd suspension/steering issue

[RedAutobotMX3]

I will try to keep this to the point, and succinct, as there are alot of disconcerting issues atm that may or may not be adding to this issue.
Upon turn in, it almost feels like something in the suspension or steering "shifts" to that side before any actual turning of the wheels or suspension; a sporadic dead spot, but is tight and handles excellent once that moment has passed.
Alignment was completed with camber wedges 2 months ago to 95% within spec. Goto realign last weekend, and its totally gone out of spec. Every time the computer uses steering to compensate and then adjust toe, and realign the steering, the attributes are out again.
Groaning or clunking of the P/F strut (*GUNK GUNK GUNKGUHGUNK*) when turning the wheel more than half a turn.
Upon very unstable roads, things seem to disorient further and after enough potholes, it sounds as if something is grinding(or the spring is chattering perhaps), but with no appearant metal shavings or rub marks once the wheel is removed. The sound goes away after a few miles on smooth road and settles out.
May not be related, my brake hoses and where they meet the hard lines in the wheel well, is being pulled away from the well-liner when the wheel is at full lock, giving me a spongey pedal from the movement and play now. May also not be related, but I've driven my car hard for the past 5 months without an issue and never touched the axle nut, but somehow in the past 10days, that nut on the PF has come loose twice!
All tie-rods seem to be functioning fine and don't show play. Wheel bearings also make no noise and are tight upon inspection. I'm leaning towards a possible rack issue or pinion perhaps. I'm at a loss, and don't want to spend the money on a rack if its totally unrelated. Also, all new strut mounts, bellows, bump stops, struts and springs right before the alignment.

I'm not really expecting a solid answer, but food for thought is always good
Thanks guys

[Ryan]

http://www.mx-3.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... ion+issues


To me it sounds like there could be many contributing issues...

Upon turn in, it almost feels like something in the suspension or steering "shifts" to that side before any actual turning of the wheels or suspension; a sporadic dead spot, but is tight and handles excellent once that moment has passed.

To me, this one sounds like a strut or sway issue, if I know what you're saying. Maybe a broken control arm, or a seriously worn bushing...

Alignment was completed with camber wedges 2 months ago to 95% within spec. Goto realign last weekend, and its totally gone out of spec. Every time the computer uses steering to compensate and then adjust toe, and realign the steering, the attributes are out again.

Any loose components could cause this, ball joints, tie rods, rack, rack bushings, wheel bearings, even struts or strut tops.

Groaning or clunking of the P/F strut (*GUNK GUNK GUNKGUHGUNK*) when turning the wheel more than half a turn.

Classic CV axle. New ones are only like $50-$90.

Upon very unstable roads, things seem to disorient further and after enough potholes

Again, any loose components. Normally slight toe in will help correct this issue, but if your alignment never stays and you toe out, potholes will be a biotch.

May not be related, my brake hoses and where they meet the hard lines in the wheel well, is being pulled away from the well-liner when the wheel is at full lock, giving me a spongey pedal from the movement and play now.

wtf, why? Is your hose attached properly at the strut?

May also not be related, but I've driven my car hard for the past 5 months without an issue and never touched the axle nut, but somehow in the past 10days, that nut on the PF has come loose twice!

Loose axle nuts will destroy wheel bearings in short order. If it came loose, you didn't tighten it enough and you didn't hammer in the notch.

All tie-rods seem to be functioning fine and don't show play. Wheel bearings also make no noise and are tight upon inspection. I'm leaning towards a possible rack issue or pinion perhaps. I'm at a loss, and don't want to spend the money on a rack if its totally unrelated. Also, all new strut mounts, bellows, bump stops, struts and springs right before the alignment.

I'd double check your tie rods, wheel bearings, ball joints, and end links. If you can get it on a hoist you can check out the rest of the bushings, and check for broken control arms/trailing arms/lateral links.

[RedAutobotMX3]

Fixed the brake issue by going back to OEM lines. Now it would seem the CV/axle is bunk. Definitely making a groaning/chattering noise as it rotates with the wheel and gets faster with speed. Turn left, and it makes the sound louder, turn right, and it goes away. The axle itself has about 1/8" play if you try to pull it out of the tranny and back with a clicking noise only by hand though. They are supposedly CVtech HiPo axles for the DE swap(what previous owner told me) so im gonna start with them and see about possible part #'s. Will also be doing that wheel bearing and new axle nut when this all pans out.

[MX_Sid]

did you get your CV's at autozone? HAHAHA! I had that same problem with one a while back that the axle nut wouldnt stay tight and the nut was poorly designed so there isn't enuf of the "cuff" to make a sufficient punch in it. I finally just used a tiny bit of ELMERS glue on the threads and hit it with my impact gun. never had another problem with it, haha. and as an added bonus ELMERS glue dissolves in hot water so when it came time to replace the CV it wasn't a pain... but i could always tell when it was loose because turns would make grinding noise like a REALLY bad bearing or something. which could be causing alot of your problems; when the axle nut is loose the whole nuckle wobbles throwing alignment off, making noise on turns, and throwing you around in your lane. if it wasn't for the life time warrantee i wouldnt use autozone CV's, I go thru them like toilet paper hahaha.

[Ryan]

Strange little tidbit - loose axle nuts kill wheel bearings.