It feels as if my Camaro is falling apart on me and noone (and I mean noone) seems to know how to fix it. The problem seems to be coming from the steering/suspension. When the car is cold reversing out of a parking spot and turn my wheels (right or left) about 3/4 of the way the fron of the car jerks. Not slighty either. You feel it and hear loud "thuds". I took it to three different dealers they said that they have no idea what the problem is. I took it to get my tires mounted on Thanksgiving weekdn and since my car's steering was very loose, I payed to get an alignment done. Well, the alignment did not help and my car still jumped around alot. I took it back and they sais there is nothing unusual about anything, so I took it and payed for a second opinion. They also said no problem. So recently I began to experience this jerking problem and the dealer told me that one of the bolts were loose, so he tightened it and let it sit overnight and in the morning the car was still jerking. So he told me, that I need to get it aligned again, but also mentioned that it might not help, but was worth a shot. So I did, and he said it did the job. But the next morning, it did it again, but now it's worse then ever and does it when I turn. But the mysterious part is that it only happens when it's cold, when it warm or hot, the steering is just a little loose.
I'm sorry this is o long. But I need to know if anyone has any ideas. I have taken care of it the best I can, but this has me stumped. PLEASE... SOMEBODY HELP.
Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
Does the car jump when moving slowly after the wheels are turned, or does the steering wheel "jerk" as you are actually turning the steering wheel? If its the latter, you probably have a bad steering rack. If its the first one, you may have a loose suspension part. Does it ONLY do this in reverse? I may not be a problem after all, but just a factor of the suspension geometry. Anybody out there who drives one on a daily basis should speak up about this one.
Posted by Niks2000SS (Member # 1815) on :
At first it did it in reverse only. now it does it while moving forward and reverse. it usually happens when the cars is moving really slow right after you change gears. the steering wheel does not jerk at all or at least noticeably. its the wheels themselves that jerk around. the mechanic did say that the passenger wheel was really loose and thats why he recommended the alignment the second time. but he says he has no idea what could be wrong. he said the parts look fine and that everythign is tight. well if that is true, then why do the wheels still jerk and sound like something is ready to snap.
Posted by Steve da Wrench (Member # 1301) on :
Is it possible the noise in the rear diff, such as no limited slip additive? Just a thought. No other ideas for you at this point, without looking/listening to the car. Sorry!
Posted by Hookerf14 (Member # 1602) on :
I was also thinking drive line components. Sounds like a rearend to me. But I wouldn't rule out something easy, like a Ujoint. A Goodwrench service mechanic should be able to find this problem without difficulty. I'm confused why they can't determine the cause.
Posted by Bill Mason (Member # 1807) on :
You have not indicated how many miles you have on the car, but here are a couple of suggestions. These problems usually occur with higher muileage cars.
If the wheel is really loose, it could be a wheel bearing. They are not overly durable...I have had to replace them several times (but then I have tracked the car occassionally). The wheel bearing may tighten up a little as you drive and it heats up.
The second thing to check is the inner tie rod ends on the steering rack. These are under the rubber boots where the tie rods come out of the rack. A good front end shop should be able to check them for you.
