Steering Mystery

[356to966]

I have one of those situations where the car shows symptoms of a problem when cold that can’t be duplicated when later warmed and at the repair shop. Here’s what’s happening.

With my 02 C2 cab nearing 140K miles, it was time to have struts replaced again and for the first time, attend do all the little squeaks and knocks coming from tired suspension components. Up front I now have new: front control arms (lower and trailing), coil-over struts and top mounts, sway bar drop links and bushings, and inner and outer tie rods.

I thought I was set for years to come but something new has cropped up. When the car is backed up with steering hard left, I experience three or four pronounced "snatches" or ‘grabs" coming from the front left. The steering wheel jumps and I feel a series of rapid bumps through the seat. Ease off the left turn and all is smooth again.

It only happens when the car is cool. The snatching does not happen when backing hard right or when the car is stationary and the steering wheel run to and fro.

Even though I’ve gotten in the habit of not steering near hard left first thing in the morning, I think I should have this sorted out. It would be good if I could point my shop in the right direction so if anyone has a cue to tell them it, would be much appreciated.

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

[JFP in PA]

2 minutes ago, 356to966 said:

I have one of those situations where the car shows symptoms of a problem when cold that can’t be duplicated when later warmed and at the repair shop. Here’s what’s happening.

With my 02 C2 cab nearing 140K miles, it was time to have struts replaced again and for the first time, attend do all the little squeaks and knocks coming from tired suspension components. Up front I now have new: front control arms (lower and trailing), coil-over struts and top mounts, sway bar drop links and bushings, and inner and outer tie rods.

I thought I was set for years to come but something new has cropped up. When the car is backed up with steering hard left, I experience three or four pronounced "snatches" or ‘grabs" coming from the front left. The steering wheel jumps and I feel a series of rapid bumps through the seat. Ease off the left turn and all is smooth again.

It only happens when the car is cool. The snatching does not happen when backing hard right or when the car is stationary and the steering wheel run to and fro.

Even though I’ve gotten in the habit of not steering near hard left first thing in the morning, I think I should have this sorted out. It would be good if I could point my shop in the right direction so if anyone has a cue to tell them it, would be much appreciated.

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

　

 

Check and make sure one of the tires is not making contact while turning and backing up.

[356to966]

Thanks JFP. I checked clearances this morning and nothing is close to touching.

[Augustus Barone]

I would put the car on a alignment rack  with the left side as close to the left edge as possible . Raise the rack to allow  getting under it and gently push it back with the steering wheel turned left to see if anything hits. Not a lot of movement would be available in full lock steering  ( car rolling off rack) but it would allow  a better  underneath  view with car in real time ride height . 

Edited May 26, 2019 by Augustus Barone

[356to966]

Thanks A B. I'll do that and report here what they find.