(SOLVED) Diagnosing popping noise when steering

I've been trying to diagnose a popping noise during steering. It sounds almost like when a tire rubs on plastic, like that catch and release noise the plastic makes, but I am absolutely sure there is nothing for the tires to catch or rub on.

I've looked over all the bushings and boots, and everything looks uncompromised, so I'd love to hear ideas of where to focus on.

It happens at slow speeds while steering in either direction, most commonly at full lock, but it can happen more toward 3/4.

Thanks,
B.

 

more info...pics would help...aftermarket wheels? Stock suspension? Happen in 2 or 4wd or both?

 

I believe a few of the ‘16 models had issues with their front struts, so they were making a popping sound while turning the wheel and hitting a bump just right.

If that is your case. Hit up the dealer for a replacement before your warranty is up. If you are past warranty, pick up some new struts/coils.

Otherwise. More info like stated above. Wheel/tire combo/tire size. Suspension set up, etc...

 

Aftermarket wheels with -10 offset, icon extended travel coilovers with icon tubular UCAs. I know it happens in 2wd and will have to test 4wd and get back to you.

I have a ton of pics, what in particular would you like to see?

 

You answered your own question. With all that going on it could be a number of things. You should tell us this stuff on the first post.

G.

 

Have you tried tightening your LCA bolts? I’d try that or cab mounts but ya never know.

 

i had this on a stock Pro Fox suspension. could not figure it out and was sure there was no tire rubbing since i had only added wheels & tires at the time. turns out there was a tiny piece of wheel well plastic that was hangnailing off the corner of the well, and it was hard to see visually. i found it by running my fingers along the inside of the well and jumped right out. it was about 1/2" square... very small. it's worth double checking. in my last ride,a VW, there was a chronic problem with this from failing upper strut mounts with this exact symptom, but i haven't seen much mention of that around here.

 

"With all that going on". Sweet, thanks Gary. Good job.

 

Thanks will check that these are torqued.

 

Been in the mud lately? Against my better judgment I played in the mud and after I left prairie city my steering would click once as turned left and right and especially turning while going over a bump. $10 at the coin op car wash and everything seems fine now, at least I hope so lol.

 

It sounds so similar to the popping from rubbing I was sure I must have missed a spot. It looks clear all the way through though, but I'll double check.

What exactly was failing on the strut mounts?

 

My very first remedy attempt was a hose

 

it was specific to the mark 5 generation.. the cap of the strut mounts were designed poorly and were weak at the stress point on top. the cap separated and would fail allowing the top of the strut to bang around. all you needed was a low speed bump and a little steering input and you get a clunk. if you watch a GTi or Jetta tool around a parking lot there's a good chance you'll hear it. that's how common it is/was.

 

I had this a while back, replaced everything on my front end trying to solve it. Finally found it was the crossmember flexing when I’d turn all the way. Tighten the 4? Bolts and see if that helps.

 

Awesome thanks. It's obvious from the replies that this could be literally anything, no wonder it's had me stumped thus far. I have been hesitant to start tearing the IFS apart completely in the process for just that reason

 

Is there a tsb # for this? I deffinetly have this issue and have not been able to figure it out.

 

Running a similar set up but with the Icon billet UCAs. Mine made a popping/grinding sound when turning. I hit the upper ball joints with a PTFE dry lube a few times and it went away (and has yet to come back).

 

Could it be the front half shafts popping when turning?

 

I would think this would be more consistent or constant, or do you think that could happen intermittently?

 

I plan to relube those and UCA bushings next on my list to try, so this is promising to hear. I figured they would make more of a squeezing when bad, so hadn't tried yet.