ok well, i have this sort of clunk from the front, wheel area whenever I:
a) turn the wheel at about 3/4 from dead center to lock either way at a stop (like turning the wheel to get out of a parking spot)
b) accelerate suddenly
c) brake hard
d) when weight transfers more abruptly from front to back/back to front
e) over more violent bumps/potholes

The best way I can describe it is like the steering rack is moving? I just replaced all my control arms and tie rod ends, so they are not the culprit. there is also no shimmying or play in steering. I do have a squeak, sort of like two heavy rubber things rotating on each other. It's not my p/s pump, because I tried looking for the noise where the pump is and nothing, its coming from the rack area. One thing i have noticed is that at higher speed and while turning, I get a barely noticeable vibration coming from the front consistent with wheel rotation. It does not affect steering at all though. Another detail is I was told I should have my p/s fluid replaced because it no longer had appropriate viscosity.
Please let me know if you guys have anything, I'm really dumbfounded.

 

I have heard of PS racks having issues/making noise. Rarely, but it happens. And it is expensive, so pray its not.

Could vibration possibly be rotors. Mine are warped, dont notice below ~80 though..

 

i really hope not. and my rotors are warped to ****, but i know its not that. the vibration is while driving regularly, not braking, and is consistent with wheel rotation. thanks though 2001a6. anyone else?

 

How many miles on the vehicle?

 

like 94.5k, noise is like a bang/clunk sound

 

bump. anyone? mileage is actually 94100, just checked.

 

i read a post recently where that same issue turned out to be a loose bolt under the battery that mounts the rack. another thing to look at would be the strut mounts.

 

Check the control arm ends - Might be time to replace them

 

check original post. i just replaced the control arms last month. any other ideas? ill check the strut mounts and that bolt under the battery, actually sounds like its coming from there. strut mounts i remember torquing down when i put the strut tower back into the car.

 

Finally! Someone who is experiencing the same problem I have.

I too have replaced all control arms, tie rod ends, and CV joints. I also replaced rotors and brake pads. In addition to that, I flushed the PS system and filled in fresh Pentosin PS fluid.

The odd thing is that my steering makes a groan sound the hotter the outside temp is. Above 90 degrees and it definitly sounds like a mechanical issue....almost like rubber or plastic rubbing up on something.

Is this indeed my steering rack needing replacement?