Yesterday, I had my wheels turned sharp to make a tight turn in a parking area, couldn't make the turn, so I had to put the car in reverse, turn the wheels in the opposite direction, then back up.

When I started backing up, I heard a single pop or crack noise from the front end. I'm thinking it's a tie rod or something?

It did it a few times again today, same situations, and then coming home over the driveway curb, I heard it again, all times, seems to come from left front.

I talked to one mechanic, he said it could be a variety of things, but what's the most likely?

Thanks,

jeff 1991 300d, 145k

Tie-rod bushing, control-arm bushing, strut (upper) bushing, tie-rod ends, steering box mounting bolts.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

I'll chime in on this. If you turned your wheels to full stop right or left, then what you heard were the steering stops grinding/popping as you went over a bump. Look under the car and locate where the lower control arm and spindle meets. There should be a nub or steel bracket there. If so, put a dab of grease on it with your finger. If this is it, problem solved. I have fixed many concerns this way when the noise occurs ONLY at full stop and going over a bump or full stop and accelerating (because of the torque it causes one side of the front end to raise/lower). Good luck. Let us know if thats it!

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Thanks,
Mark in NC

"Spark plugs?...We don't need no stinking spark plugs!"
1985 300SD "Der Silberne Schlitten" 420,000 mi


Wish these were diesel:
2003 Ford Club Wagon 130,000 mi