Steering wander and knock - 2012 D4

[goldey]

Hi all

I've had a slightly perplexing issue with our D4 that I first noticed after we replaced the motor (long story elsewhere). Our Indy who did the replacement works did a fantastic job and mentioned to me at the time that the LCAs will need to be done at some stage in the next 12 mths (almost 12 mths up now). Doing the LCAs is fine for me with some limited mechanical abilities, BUT since the body off and on process with the motor replacement I'm sure the steering wasn't as vague before as it was after (or maybe I just didn't notice before??). Quizzing our Indy about it he said he didn't notice any issues with the steering.

We've got about 3-4cm of play in the wheel and it audibly clunks when going over sharp edges. Now I know that the LCAs are probably mostly responsible for the clunks but the vagueness I suspect is to do with something else. Anyone else come across this issue before? Is it possible that we have a worn steering shaft or bushing or even rack?

Cheers

Goldey

[PerthDisco]

Hi all

I've had a slightly perplexing issue with our D4 that I first noticed after we replaced the motor (long story elsewhere). Our Indy who did the replacement works did a fantastic job and mentioned to me at the time that the LCAs will need to be done at some stage in the next 12 mths (almost 12 mths up now). Doing the LCAs is fine for me with some limited mechanical abilities, BUT since the body off and on process with the motor replacement I'm sure the steering wasn't as vague before as it was after (or maybe I just didn't notice before??). Quizzing our Indy about it he said he didn't notice any issues with the steering.

We've got about 3-4cm of play in the wheel and it audibly clunks when going over sharp edges. Now I know that the LCAs are probably mostly responsible for the clunks but the vagueness I suspect is to do with something else. Anyone else come across this issue before? Is it possible that we have a worn steering shaft or bushing or even rack?

Cheers

Goldey

The lower steering column is what gets separated if the body came off. I’d focus there for some issue.

It’s an absolutely known fail that the lower column uni joint knuckle can stiffen up affecting steering feel in funny ways. It’s a cheap part.

[Eric SDV6SE]

If still clunking after the front LCAs get done, check the upper arms at thr fronts too, and also the rear sets (upper and lower). The rears really affect feel on the road, andcany loosenrss is felt through the steering. On my D4, rear lowers were buggered, I ended up replacing uppers and lowers all round, including wheel bearings at each corner. I've not got any play in the steering rack and no more clunks.

[goldey]

Thanks Gents

I'll have a look around the lower column area and see if there's anything obvious. Unfortunately at almost 190k kms on original air struts (as best I can determine) the shopping list is (in priority order): Front LCAs; front and rear air struts (maybe wheel bearings in there somewhere if they are shagged); and new air compressor. Big bill but getting the suspension working well on a keeper car (given the recent engine replacement) is important to me.

Cheers

Goldey