Re: Shakey steering and clicking noise...(ball joi (archive)

: My steering wheel has started shaking when I brake to a stop and makes a clicking noise when I turn the wheel to the left just slightly. So now, as I reach a stop I hear the clicks in a sort of machine gun fashion until I reach a complete stop.
: My mechanic recently told me I could eliminate the problem with a new front-left ball joint. He told me the part alone would be like $40 and I'm scared to know how much labor would be.
: Has anyone ever done this before and know what the job entails? I'll have him do it if I have to, but I thought it might be a simple replacement.
: Thanks,
: Dave

This doesn't sound like a ball joint to me but then I haven't seen the car. I would most likely think that you have a wheel bearing going out (clicking noise) and 1 or 2 warped brake rotors (shaking when you brake). The shaking may have loosened up the ball joint but I don't think that a ball joint alone would cause the shaking and/or clicking. You need to investigate further to pinpoint the source of the shaking and clicking. Be sure to check the condition of your brakes (all 4).
Another thing, if you haven't replaced the brake hoses since the car was rolled of the production line you might consider doing this. If 1 or more hoses is collapsed inside it can cause a caliper or wheel cylinder to not release it pressure when you release pressure from the brake pedal. This causes more wear on the affected brake and overheated rotors (hence, warping). This condition can also cause the car to shake (sounds crazy but it happened to me) due to uneven rolling resistance on the wheels.

Scroll down to my 2nd post on "Ok, who's got tie rods for sale"? for more info on checking out the front end.

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