Steering problems--again

[daddycam]

i've still got my steering issue that i posted before the board went down, but i've got some more info now. when i turn hard to the left like at an intersection or in a parking lot it doesn't return to center smoothly. there is a spot where the steering wheel is at about 10 o'clock that it sticks a bit instead of returning smoothly to center. i also notice a slight creaking coming from the front left if i listen carefully. i don't seem to have any problems with right hand turns. a couple of people mentioned it might be the shock mount. someone else thought it was the control arm ball joint. any other ideas? what should i look for to diagnose the problem? thanks.

[Bernman]

1. Ball joints
2. Tie rods
3. Control arm bushings
4. Shocks

It's likely to be one, or more, of these things.

Good luck,
Bernman

[daddycam]

after looking at the bentley manuals steering and suspension troubleshooting table, it looks like it might be the upper strut bearing. it is mentioned a couple of times in there, but they don't show it in the diagram of the front strut assembly. i assume i would have to take the whole strut apart to get to the strut bearing, right?

[Bernman]

Yes, you have to take the shock apart to get to the upper strut bearing. I have to say though, that this part is far less likely to wear out than the ball joints, tie rods, and shocks themselves.

Good luck,
Bernman