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1997 Honda Accord makes a strange knocking noise when I make a turn

greatdeals_007
New User | Posts: 6 | Joined: 11/11

Posted: 08/13/12
07:13 AM

I am looking at purchasing a used 1997 honda accord. I did a test drive yesterday and notice when I turn the wheel sharply that it makes a strange knocking noise when I crank the wheel.

any idea what it is? how serious is the issue? does it need to be fixed and what do you think it would cost?

waynep71222
Guru | Posts: 825 | Joined: 03/12

Posted: 08/13/12
10:53 AM

time to ROCK the wheel back and forth just slightly...

as somebody looks and listens under the hood to the steering linkage.. this is usually done with the wheels on the ground.. to add some resistance...

is this the same car you replaced the AC on????

waynep71222
Guru | Posts: 825 | Joined: 03/12

Posted: 08/13/12
10:53 AM

greatdeals_007
New User | Posts: 6 | Joined: 11/11

Posted: 08/13/12
03:02 PM

this is a different car

is that steering linkage expensive? does it need to be replaced?

waynep71222
Guru | Posts: 825 | Joined: 03/12

Posted: 08/13/12
05:42 PM

rocking the steering wheel back and forth slightly. just enough to make the NOISE..

may allow a second person under the hood.. . looking down around the back of the motor.. to see any parts that are shifting.. when they should NOT..

the best advice i can give you right now...

is take the car to 3 different shops for 3 different estimates...

see if they all come up with the same results..

some things are easy to diagnose over the web... some are NOT..

if i were to look at the car.. i would open the hood.. have you sit behind the wheel and rock the steering wheel slightly.. while i stuck my head in and around to see what's making the noise..

you could have a loose steering wheel..

you could have a loose or broken U joint that connects the steering column to the steering rack and pinion..

you could have a broken steering rack and pinion mount...

you could have a worn out inner tie rod end..

you could have a worn out outer tie rod end..

you could have a loose sub frame where the steering rack and pinion mounts on...

which parts would you like to change first... even if they are NOT bad..