Steering help needed

[spanner]

New member - Hi everybody.

My 2001 Sunfire SE developed a 'rumble' from the front wheels under braking a few weeks ago. Then it got a lot louder (still only under breaking), and after that I had tire squeal from the front wheels when going around roundabouts at 10 -15 mph which had never happened before. Then on my commute (25 miles) I noticed that the steering wheel had cranked around about 35 degrees clockwise, and at that point the noise became so loud that I could hear it over the radio! Also combined with a vibration from the front suspension that was formally only there when braking ,but was now there all the time. The car was still driving in a straight line, even with my hands off the wheel. I haven't had a chance to look at it since then (Tuesday) but I am really concerned that the suspension/steering is damaged. The roads around here are really badly potholed. I will look at it at the weekend and report back.

In the mean time I may have to strip the steering apart. I have the equipment to realign the steering, but I don't know the settings for the alignment (toe in/out) - can any body help me with these?

Thanks, Roger.

 

[melsg5]

It sounds like you have serious brake and/or steering or suspension problems and recommend you stop driving the car before you have an accident.
Not sure what you even mean by 'strip the steering apart ' since at this point you are not even sure if you have a brake or steering or suspension issue.

 

[spanner]

When I say 'strip the steering apart ' I mean take the wheels off, check the front steering bushes / ball joints and shock absorbers etc. I haven't driven the car since this happened, I'm using my 'winter car' an old Dodge Durango. If any body has experienced something like this I would appreciate any feedback.

 

[melsg5]

It sounds like you are on the correct path but nobody on the internet can tell you what the issue is without seeing the car.