Alexan89

I got 89 Camaro, and everytime i turn left after i turn right, i can feel POP in steering wheel. if i stop- it wont do it, only when i drive above 10mph! i jacked it up, and i cant see or feel anything! I just rebuild the whole front end suspension(shocks, springs,sway bar(bushings), center like, idler, inner outer tie rod ends.)Also, wheel has no up and down play! so i wouldnt think that would b a ball joint problem!

tell me what you think!!

91_5.7_TPI

iTrader: (2)

A-arm bushings is my guess. Or strut mounts. I've had problems with both. It's always the thing you forgot to replace. I did my tie rods, the strut mounts started, then the ball joints, then the strut mounts again (AutoZone), then the a-arm bushings. I think I've gotten em all this time.

Alexan89

I agree, A-arm bushings is the only thing thats left, but im not sure how can a strut mount make a pop in my steering wheel. even lower a-arm.. all it has is 2 bolts holding it in, how would that pop? I never had problem like that before, and it just doesnt make sence!

91_5.7_TPI

iTrader: (2)

I'm not completely sure, but while I was getting the AC charged, my mechanic and I looked at it. He said you could see the a-arm moving when the steering popped. I can feel it in the wheel. I know that the strut mount you can really feel. I'm not sure which one is worse. It's been a long time since I replaced the strut mounts. Sometime lift the hood and have someone else turn the wheel. Listen/feel the strut mount. But, since you said it only does it over 10 mph, that might be a problem.

Alexan89

Yeah!I mean im 18 and i work as mechanic(beginner)at Ritchie Auto(San Antonio area), i do all work on my car by myself, and i have fixed "everything", there are barely any stock parts left on my Camaro!! I talked to my boss today and he didnt really know what to do.. his first guess were tie rods(new), center link(new).. a-arm bushing(doesnt make sence)-- so i just told him that im gonna wait till it gets worse, thats all i can do at this point...

thanx for response! good to hear someone elses opinion!

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

I am like you and have replaced and retightened just about every thing on the front end and mine still does it too.
Once I thought for sure I fixed it when I retightened 3 real loose K-member brace bolts, of course its never that simple.
All that is left is strut towers bushings (they are shot), I don't think it is the A-arm bushings.
When I was changing the springs and struts I moved the A-arm up, down, back, forward and every thing felt good. Not like that can tell me a hole lot. The ball joints are good.
I have a set of rebuilt A-arms with energy bushings and Moog ball joints, all I need is to get the ball joints pressed in and they can go on. I also plan to get spohn strut towers next month.
I am going to try not to put the strut towers and rebuilt A-arms on at the same time because I would like to know what fixs my poping.
You can check the strut mounts some what by taking a pry bar and using it to push the strut nut nut one way or the other. If you can move it and not see cracks in the rubber your strut tower is most likely good.
Stock replacement strut towers run about $200, the spohn strut towers that can never break are $300.
A set of energy A-arm bushings (made in USA) are $30. Moog ball joints were $40 for the pair, I think.
Also inspect for cracks around your steering sector. You will most likely need a good pressure washing before doing this.

RBob

iTrader: (1)

Check for cracks in the frame rail (the folded sheet metal) around the steering box. This is where the steering box is bolted to the frame rail. It is rather common on a hard driven 3rd gen to crack in this area. A wonder-bar (steering brace) is desgined to help prevent it from cracking.

RBob.

Alexan89

I drove my car today, and i think i will need a-arm bushings! we had 69 camaro in our shop before, and it was doing same thing. steering wheel would pop when you hit a bump with left side(thats what is happening to me). Also when i turn right and left , it pops too! so Its gotta be A-arm! im possitive that my strut towers are good ! Is it a pain to do those bushing? 69 sucked! never done 3rd gen!

- i do not have any cracks in frame rail! My Camaro is my everyday driver, and i try not to beat on it, so everything is clean and shiny under the hood! )))

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

Getting the A-arm off and the old bushing out is the easy part.
You will need a drill, saws all, heat gun, freezer, big 8lb hammer or a press, small hammer, rubber mallet. Once you get the A-arm off for the bushings.
For me I was able to replace just the bushing core on the larger of the 2 bushings real easy, the smaller bushing sleave and all had to be totally removed and replaced.
Once you get the rubber bushing out see how the Poly bushings fit before you cut the rest of the bushing sleave out. You might get lucky.
Did you inspect the strut tower bushings?

Alexan89

yeah, i checked strut tower, it seems fine! Will try to do bushings this or next week, and see if that helps!

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

I used a press and got the ball joints into the A-arms.
So the rebuilt front lower control arms can go on now, if I have time this weekend.

topless89

the easiest way to get the old A-arm bushings out is an air chisle.

bluethunder28

iTrader: (1)

Double check your strut bolts to the knuckle. Sometimes they aren't tight and you'll hear and feel a pop when turning at low speeds.

oil pan 4

iTrader: (1)

I pulled my pas. side Lower control arm off today. Bushings had seen better days but over all were ok, ball joint was still good. Got to look at my strut tower bushing again and it is cracked all to hell. I stuck the big end of a 3/8'' drive rachet extention in there and moved the bushing around. Its bad.
Those guys at Bilstein were smart enough to put an allen key hole on end of the strut bolt and yeah I got them good and tight when I installed them the first time.