geekmanz28

Hi. We have a 1998 SS with 70,000 miles. When the steering wheel is turned to the right, as soon as the wheel is turned there is a quick pop from the front. Also if the wheel is turned back to the left it will make another quick pop. It would do this all day as long as the wheel is turned back and forth. I`m talking only about a 1/8 turn of the wheel. Could it be the tie rod ends?
Thanks

lt11997

Check the front hubs for play in them. These are one of the problems where somebody basically has to hear to fiqure it out. Does it sound like it's coming from near the tires, rack, or steering wheel?

95LT1conv

get the front tires off the ground. one hand on top, one on the bottom and push on top pull on bottom to check hub/bearing play

Injuneer

Ball joints?

In any case, this belongs in "Suspension, Chassis and Brakes", so I'll move it there.

OBE1 95Z28

Jack the car up and have a friend turn the steering back and forth while you inspect the steering components. I discovered that the pinion shaft on my rack was moving up and down about a quarter of an inch.

jaguar5822

My car used to do this, jack up one side and look at the steering rack, or even put your hand on it. Turn the wheels with one tire on the ground and see if the rack is moving. If I remember correctly there are 2 big bolts holding it on to the supports. Mine was moving such a small amount that I didn't even see it when it happened, but it makes the loud popping noise. I put loctite on the bolts and tightened them down a little bit further than the torque spec and goodbye popping noise. Hopefully you find it, I know how annoying it is.