Crunch/crashing noise when doing a u-turn

[Jaynesmason]

Here's the problem. Let's say I'm doing a u-turn at a light or in a court my car makes a crunch/cracking noise in the mild of the turn. It's like I turn the wheel all the way but about 5 seconds into the u-turn the steering jolts slight (and just slightly) and the crunch/crack happens. So my question is this. What is the problem and how do I fix it? Please keep in mind I don't understand car lingo and where things are really located (but I do have the Haynes book). I've been on this site for help a few times now so I'm beginning to understand some aspects but my knowledge is still very limited. So just try and explain things in laymans terms the best you can

Cheers,

Mason
'89 festiva L

[bravekozak]

uh oh.
Now you did it.
Time to put the front end up on blocks, grab the tire and check for any looseness. Then inspect for broken or cracked steering linkage parts.
When you rotate the tire, check to make sure the other side rotates in the opposite direction and that there is no binding.

[blkfordsedan]

I'd guess you probably have a bad CV joint. That's the joint in the front axle that allows the wheels to turn left & Right. It's located at the end of the axle (each side)....right up against the wheel hub. It's covered by a rubber boot. Check both axles (sides) and see if you notice a crack or hole in the rubber boot. Once the boot goes bad, the grease inside gets contaminated, dry or just plain runs out, and the joint goes bad.

You just replace the entire axle with a remanufactured one. You can look it up in the Haynes.

[Studebaker]

Check for looseness like bravekozak said. Also check all rubber bushing. Especally were the swaybar connects to the control arm.

[ryanprins13]

A less common source of this problem is the strut mounts up front. They have kinda bearings in them or something and if they never get replaced when struts are then they can grind or crunch while turning. Mine do. But check the other stuff first.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WmWatt]

The usual test for CV joints is to turn slowly in tight circles left and right in forward and reverse and listen for popping or grinding. You'd notice loose tie rod ends (steering) when going over bumps and can check for looseness by hand. Don't know how to test for other steering problems but Google and Youtube are your very good friends, try "diagnosing steering problems".

[Jaynesmason]

Wow, this is amazing! I really appreciate the tips. When the raining subsides up here in Northern California I'll get under the car and do some investigating. Please check back sometime next week as I might have some more questions.

Cheers