Clunking noise when turning wheel

lexilex

This is on behalf of my OH

He's just bought his first car, a V reg Punto without power steering.

Sometimes when he turns his steering wheel it makes a 'clunking' noise. At first we only noticed it when he was at full lock, but it's also happening when he's going around corners. It's not happening all the time, just every now and again.

He only paid £600 for the car, so obviously doesn't want to be spending a lot on the car.

Anyone any ideas what could be wrong?

Thanks

jrrowleyws

Does it only clunk when turning in one direction? Could be a CV joint if thats the case. Not too expensive..

Kilty_2

CV joints - don't think it's the biggest job in the world.

lexilex

jrrowleyws wrote: »

Does it only clunk when turning in one direction? Could be a CV joint if thats the case. Not too expensive..

It's more one direction than the other, but has happened when turning both ways

Kilty_2

A colleague had a Corsa that clunked at full lock in either direction - was CV joints.

Quinny_2

CV joints. Defo.

lexilex

Thanks. I'm clueless about cars, is this something that will be picked up on in an MOT. His is due in August. Would he be okay driving around in it til then?

gilbert_and_sullivan

He'll have to jack it up get under and have a look see, if the rubber boots are split then they will need replacing pronto...if they are intact it's still worth the price of a tub of Moly grease (or you can buy small packs of the correct CV joint grease) and a few cable ties and repacking the joints with fresh grease.
I've shut many a noisy one up by refilling with grease, many have lasted the car out afterwards.

gordikin

If it is the CV joint(s) it should be easily picked up in an MOT. I'd get it fixed now to be honest at your convenience and perhaps save the hassle of a 'fail' in August.

jrrowleyws

Yeah, I'd get it fixed now, or atleast looked at.

As "gilbert and sullivan" said above, you can sometimes rescue the existing joints with a clean up and new grease and rubber boot. If not, new joints are generally not too expensive (£40-60 ish +fitting). I wouldnt bother with second hand personally as you never quite know the condition of them!

As for the MOT, if the gaiter (rubber boot) is intact and the joint doesnt have much free-play then it could pass. Its not really worth the risk though, and plus if they are really knackered and you need the car to be reliable -get them changed!

diable

Not really relevant but I had this in a Mark 1 Escort in the winter years ago, it was the largish ice cube in the washer bottle banging around ;o))))