Diagnosing Steering Concerns

Never diagnose steering or suspension with the wheels hanging free. Load the suspension. Put it on the rack. Then check components under the same load they experience while driving.

Check tire pressures first — a 5 PSI difference side to side causes a pull. Check alignment — toe out of spec is the most common cause of wander. Inspect tie rod ends and ball joints for play with the suspension loaded. On EPS vehicles, scan the EPS module for codes — a torque sensor fault changes assist behavior and causes drift.

A single clunk felt through the wheel when turning from center — worn intermediate shaft coupler, worn strut mount bearing, or worn outer tie rod end. Have someone turn the wheel slowly left and right while you watch each component from underneath. The one that moves or clicks is the source.

Clunk over bumps — ball joint, end link, or strut mount. Grab the tire at 12 and 6 and push-pull for ball joint play. Grab end links and twist for play. Rattle over rough roads — loose heat shield, loose fastener, or severely worn bushing. Squeak at low speed or parking lot turns — dry sway bar bushing or worn strut mount bearing. Constant hum that changes with speed — wheel bearing. Gets louder turning left — right bearing is loaded and failing. Gets louder turning right — left bearing.