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Hello everyone,
This is my first post in this forum! I have been watching ETCG videos for a while and a couple of them helped me do repairs on my wife’s honda accord. However, my chevy needs help and my problem is more of a diagnostic thing right now, so I thought the forum route would help me pin point the issue better.I just bought a 1991 chevy cavalier RS (2.2L 3-speed auto) in February of this year and before you judge me you should know it only had 54,000 original miles, no rust and was less than $1000 bucks. I had to do a ton of work to it to get it on the road (alternator, battery, tensioner, belt, plugs, wires, oil, trans fluid/filter, coolant, shocks, all new front and rear brakes and lots more). Nothing wrong with the engine, frame or front end. Took a sticker no problem. However, in the last 3 weeks I have noticed a noise happening with the car. At first I assumed it was the brakes, but now I can reproduce it easily and can tell it is not the brakes(i think).
Finally here is my description of my problem:
When I turn the wheel left at any speed the front end makes a light scrap or squeak. The noise changes depending on the speed I am traveling. If I turn right or hold the car straight, there is no noise. Also, possibly related is another noise when I hit bumps it makes a metal clang or rattling noise. After watching the video on the stabilizer link replacement I believe that I will need to replace my sway bar bushings and bolts. I am hoping to diagnose the squeak too so I can buy the parts needed and do the sway bar and whatever else at the same time.Lastly, I just want to thank you eric for giving us this website to help people like me save some money and gain some repair knowledge!
– Josh
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*Update
I have done some more testing and I have found that the noise seems to be worse after the car is warm and has been driven for a while. Also, it seems that applying the brakes or going over bumps when I turn left affects the noise and makes it quieter or stops it momentarily?Thank in advance for helping me out.
– Josh
From what you are describing it sounds like your ball joints are bad. I would try pushing down on the hood/fender to see if it makes the noise then. If it does first try putting grease in upper and lower ball joint . If the noise goes away I would still consider replacing them. You can also check for the problem by jacking the tire up and pulling on the top and bottom to see if there is any play it the ball joints. As well as left to right to check the tie rod ends.
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