I'm mechanically disinclined, and was hoping for some diagnostic help on a couple things. I have a 2006 Cruiser, BTW.
I've searched through some of the clunk/noise threads and it's just gotten me more confused. I currently get all maintenance done through the dealership. Anyway. Here's what I have:
1) I've been told I need to replace the rack and pinion. I had a buddy who is a service manager at a VW dealership take a look, and he said everything seems to be fine (not sure how much weight that holds), and asked if I was having any issues at all with steering, and at the time I'd had no noticeable issues.
-What type of symptoms are consistent with the need to replace the entire rack and pinion system?
2) At my last visit, I did have the CV joints replaced, along with tire rotation/balance, alignment and oil change. Prior to that I hadn't had any types of noticeable noises or issues, but trusted that they were probably in need of replacement because I had about 115,000 miles.
-Not too long after this was done I noticed at FULL LOCK on a right turn I'd have a CLUNK/METALLIC GRIND at low speeds. It was rough enough sounding to get you to clench your teeth, and seemed to continue to grind as long as I was moving and at full lock, but usually was pretty quick because I release the turn some when I hear/feel it.
-More recently it seems the frequency and severity of grinding at full lock has gotten worse, and I've also started getting the ROTATIONAL CLICKING, and a bit of a WHINE when going straight as well. I snapped a photo of the only thing that my uneducated eyes could tell is out of place under there, but don't know if this would account for all my symptoms.
In the photo below I can tell that there is definitely a clip missing, so I assume all the grease that has leaked out. Not sure what type of symptoms this would cause though. Also the portion where the clip is missing is toward the center of the vehicle, if it's not obvious from the photo.
What's the verdict?
-Brake caliper loose causing the grinding?
-Saw mention of C-Clips that have come off in other threads. I'm not sure if that is where the C-Clip would be, but would that explain the now more persistent rotational clicking?
-I have no clue what to do about the rack and pinion...would that possibly be due to grease being flung from the CV, and be misdiagnosed? I'm clueless to that kind of stuff.
I've searched through some of the clunk/noise threads and it's just gotten me more confused. I currently get all maintenance done through the dealership. Anyway. Here's what I have:
1) I've been told I need to replace the rack and pinion. I had a buddy who is a service manager at a VW dealership take a look, and he said everything seems to be fine (not sure how much weight that holds), and asked if I was having any issues at all with steering, and at the time I'd had no noticeable issues.
-What type of symptoms are consistent with the need to replace the entire rack and pinion system?
2) At my last visit, I did have the CV joints replaced, along with tire rotation/balance, alignment and oil change. Prior to that I hadn't had any types of noticeable noises or issues, but trusted that they were probably in need of replacement because I had about 115,000 miles.
-Not too long after this was done I noticed at FULL LOCK on a right turn I'd have a CLUNK/METALLIC GRIND at low speeds. It was rough enough sounding to get you to clench your teeth, and seemed to continue to grind as long as I was moving and at full lock, but usually was pretty quick because I release the turn some when I hear/feel it.
-More recently it seems the frequency and severity of grinding at full lock has gotten worse, and I've also started getting the ROTATIONAL CLICKING, and a bit of a WHINE when going straight as well. I snapped a photo of the only thing that my uneducated eyes could tell is out of place under there, but don't know if this would account for all my symptoms.
In the photo below I can tell that there is definitely a clip missing, so I assume all the grease that has leaked out. Not sure what type of symptoms this would cause though. Also the portion where the clip is missing is toward the center of the vehicle, if it's not obvious from the photo.
What's the verdict?
-Brake caliper loose causing the grinding?
-Saw mention of C-Clips that have come off in other threads. I'm not sure if that is where the C-Clip would be, but would that explain the now more persistent rotational clicking?
-I have no clue what to do about the rack and pinion...would that possibly be due to grease being flung from the CV, and be misdiagnosed? I'm clueless to that kind of stuff.
