Technical Clunking noise when turning the Wheel

[Sausage]

Hi Guys...

This question I'm sure relates to cars in general but here goes...

When I turn my steering wheel it makes this clunking noise....to me it sounds like a coil/spring/wire tensing or flexing - I don't know if that is what is happening - but that's what it sounds like......

I know nothing about cars so have no idea what it is....

It happens sort of at intervals as I turn the steering wheel and I only have to turn it an inch or two to gain one 'clunk' noise.....so I'll turn it 2 inches and clunk and another 2'ish inches and clunk and so on, either way I turn it.....


Any ideas what this could be?

Cheers.

 

[aurick86]

it's probably the top mount bearings.
it's a common issue for the GP. They go dry, then wear out the balls in the bearing.
https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto-guides/259519-strut-top-bearing-removal-service-replacement-front-spring-replacement.html

 

[Sausage]

it's probably the top mount bearings.
it's a common issue for the GP. They go dry, then wear out the balls in the bearing.
https://www.fiatforum.com/grande-punto-guides/259519-strut-top-bearing-removal-service-replacement-front-spring-replacement.html

Cheers.

Any idea how much it costs to fix at a garage....I have an MOT coming up.

 

[Jacob]

It shouldn't effect the mot. Labour will be about an hour per side I reckon, bearings are about 20 each. Not a difficult job if your handy with a spanner though?

 

[msted89]

Did mine not that long ago. It's really not that hard with the right tools. The top mounts themselves are cheap enough and should only really need an hours labour. Had my front struts apart twice... once for top mounts and once for cracked spring. Job is made all the more easier if you have access to an impact wrench for the top mount nuts

 

[Sausage]

Cheers guys...


I will try to get it done at a garage at some point....maybe in a few weeks

What issues could be caused it things get worse? What is the worst that could happen?

 

[msted89]

I guess its more of an annoyance at first but if and when the bearings fail you are left with 2 plastic 'cups' that make up the bearing housing. If the bearing collapses these will cause friction and heavy steering which could eventually damage other components in the steering and suspension systems. Im sure it will hold out for a few weeks until its repaired.

 

[Huggy444]

If it's not whats been mentioned above, it may be a CV joint. Fairly cheap and not much labour costs either

 

[Maniacjoe29]

My wishbone went on the 3 series before selling it.. Made a clunk whenever the steering wheel was turned.

 

[Sausage]

Sorry guys if this is a dumb question but....

If whatever it is isn't a fail on an MOT......can I still request the MOT place fix it?.....would I be able to leave it with them to fix after the MOT is done?

MOT is next week.

Cheers...