Mitsubishi Outlander Steering Stability and Suspension

About 3 days ago, I noticed that when I turn the wheel about a 1/4 turn, I can feel and hear a "thump" coming from the steering wheel. It definitely feels like something in the steering column, and seems to do it at consistent intervals within the steering range. Almost like a cable getting caught on something for a split second, and then releasing. Doesn't hamper the steering, just rather annoying now that I know it's there. Wanted to know if anyone else has this issue.
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Let me be the first to say that I have it in my 07 Outlander. I'm still "observing" it if it's something that gets worn down as I put more miles into it.
For what it's worth we have that "rattle" near the driver's door. Im 90 percent sure that it's not a rattle at all,because it occurs on smooth asphalt also. Im thinking it's wind buffeting around the mirror. Ive seen this before,on our Subaru Impreza.
Having said all that-this is a fantastic car and I would still buy it. These are small issues compared to what could be. Look at the paragon of reliability-the Toyota Camry,there are some folks who've had their cars in the shop 4 times in a month for trans issues. Im glad that with all the gadgets on these Outlanders everything works with only a knock and a small wind noise. I was concerned because Mercedes and BMW have horrible reliability issues with all their tech offerings.
I'll post again when I can.
4WD XLS
This mechanic that posted said that a bearing to knuckle tolerance was off,and that a replacement of both or either one fixed it. Mitsubishi is currently reviewing the best method to fix this issue. So it's great to hear that they are all over this with the vehicle being out for such a brief period. Like I mentioned before we have to have a hitch fitted at the dealer. At that time I will speak to either a tech or the service manager about the issue and see if Mitsu has figured out the best solution.
It doesnt seem to affect drivability or reliability,we have a huge thunderstorm going on right now in N. Texas and my wife says she loves the stability of it. Said she felt confident and enjoyed the lightning show on the way home instead of being nervous.
I'll post again when I hear more.
I have yet to see anyone else with a fix.
Willing to take questions.
L
Hate going to the dealer. I will mention it when I get in the mood to deal with them.
Service log is full for today and I might take my car in either Monday or Tuesday next week.
I am of the impression the Mitsubishi is very serious in taking complaints about their products. I am happy with how they handle my case and hopefully everything will turn out to be a pleasant experience.
I suggest to all owners with these issues to do the same, so these problems get documented and fixed, and eventually get recognized and fixed in future products from the factory.
For those interested, Mitsu's address is:
Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.
PO Box 6014
Cypress, CA 90630-0014
Please don't forget to include important details to make your complaint legitimate. Include your e-mail, phone#, VIN, dealership where you bought your vehicle.
I'll keep you guys posted of the progress of this complaint.
I brought it in already and they looked at it. They already had another LS with the same problem and had spoken with Mitsubishi. Mitsubishi told the dealership that they were aware of the problem and yes apparently have the correct parts on order, and after 3 weeks, they are in today. I just brought it in to have it repaired and install my navi system. I should have it back today. I have complained by phone to my dealership and was disappointed by how they handled the situation. I have not spoken directly to Mitsubishi, but I am composing a letter to both the owner of the dealership and to the Mitsubishi address provided above. I think this would have been a minor issue in my mind had the dealership handled it better.
not a very good way to handle the first call i made to them since i owned the car. maybe i should have stuck with honda. i guess i'll go see if i get a blank stare from the dealer.
not a very good way to handle the first call i made to them since i owned the car. maybe i should have stuck with honda. i guess i'll go see if i get a blank stare from the dealer.
I was treated totally different. Maybe because my approach was different. I did a formal complaint letter, and I did get a very professional response. A lady from Mitsu HQ called me, then the service manager from the dealership asked me to bring the car in for a check. Then the lady even went further to verify that the service dept called me for an appointment. Now I am looking at Monday to be the day the front end knock gets serviced after parts are in. I know those helpline guys are no good so I skipped that and did the snail mail. Worked for me. Why not try my earlier suggestion of writing to them in a Professional manner. Just make clear what your problems are, no unnecessary comments, just do it professionally, and I believe you'll get a professional response too just like I did.
I trust the workmanship of the factory in Japan...I don't want anybody here at a dealership dismantling my front end until there is an official bulletin with a fix...
I have been driving all kinds of vehicles for almost 50 years and I don't think this clunking sound is a serious issue..However, I will talk to the Serv. Mgr. about it when I go over to get my licence plates though.
As of now, it is a minor annoyance and I have no other annoying issues with this vehicle for the moment...
I did have to drop the tire pressure on the Goodyear LS's down to 34 from the 48 that the factory put in....
I will give a full report in New Owners forum in a few weeks.
The dealer told me they put in new bearings, which are new design, and not just a replacement of the same design. If I'm this was the newly designed bearing lukido talked about. Hopefully this fix works a promised. Updates to be posted soon.
The sticker in my XLS says it's 32 PSI front and back, so I took the opportunity to have the tire pressures checked while I was at service.
Are they "wheel" bearings....?
Did the serv. Mgr. say anything about a "recall"or any Service bulletins?
Can you tell me where the Dealership is located for reference..?
To me, it sounds more like a steering linkage or strut issue...maybe even ball joints...
Thanx...
I talked to the Serv.Mgr. about the front end knock and He was aware of the problem..You are right, it is the wheel bearings and possibly the knuckles...'
He said Mitsu is currently formulating a repair procedure for general distribution..
He said there will be no recall because only a small percentage of the vehicles have this problem..
He also said it is not a safety issue but if the knock becomes annoying to me to bring it in and they will put on the newly designed bearings.
I am going to wait to see if the noise gets worse and if so I will have the repair performed.
I also want them to have made a number of bearing repairs {for practice} before I get mine done... Like a Doctor with Operations..
Other than this little annoyance, the vehicle is quite impressive.
If you have this issue too, get to your nearest dealer, or write mitsu about it. I did and I got it fixed.
It appears these are actually quite reliable. They've been selling the 07 Outlanders for 3 months now,outselling 3 to 1 vs the old model,and everyone in the service departmen said ours was the first one in the shop for any problem.
So they contacted me within 5 hours,said they contacted Mitsubishi about the issue,ordered the parts and said they'd be in within a week. Got the trailer hitch installed at the same time,was pleased to find it came with the hitch,ball,protective covering as to not scratch the interior,and a nice pin with clip. All painted gloss black with a step built-in with grip tape to get to the roof and a plug.
I had the wind noise on the mirror,but they said they tried tucking the harness inside and ordered a new mirror just to be safe.
All in all I was happy with this experience. The last new vehicle we had that needed service was an 01 Civic and we must have brought that car in 10 times in the first year for a bunch of problems: leaking shocks,wandering ride,front suspension clunk very similar to the Outlander,just not as loud,hunting transmission that would refuse to shift,then suddenly upshift after you've already let off the gas,and a noisy power steering pump...oh yeah-the best one.. a seat that would suddenly slide on the tracks fully back and forth. I want to make a point right now that Honda never fixed a single issue. Well they sort of fixed the seat by simply bending the latches on it,it never worked right. They pretended they ordered parts but I found that they simply re-bent everything back. On top of that the jack failed and dropped the car onto it's brake rotor and crushed the subframe right behind that wheelwell. Honda customer service sent out an unbiased 3rd party investigator driving an S2000 (that he admittedly got an inside deal on (cue rolleyes) and was told without proof the jack was faulty we had nothing). :mad: Good job Honda,just lost a loyal customer (Bought 3 Hondas in a row)and all the recommendations I'd give them as a mechanic. A simple we're sorry and here's a free oil change would've sufficed-matter of principle.
Didnt want to turn this into an anti-Honda rant but I had to point out why Im so happy that this is the extent of the problem with our brand new high tech "has everything" Outlander.
The service manager gave me a printed Tech Talk monthly issued by Mitsubishi
It had the following description for my clunking sound
GROUP 35 Service Brakes : ABS Pump Noise (Update): 2006-07 Eclipse, 2007 Eclipse Spyder and Outlander : ABS System Conducts a self-check to ensure it is functioning properly the first time the vehicle reaches approx 2.5 mph. During the self check, a "clunking" noise will be heard from the right front of the engine compartment. The noise only occurs the first time the vehicle is driven after the engine is started. It will not reoccur until the engine is restarted. This noise is a normal operation of the ABS System. Do not attempt to repair this condition.
However, my dealership still replaced the bearings etc as they had already ordered the parts. The replacement did not make any difference in the clunk sound though.
So that is the update from my side. Am happy with the way Mitsu customer care followed up with me couple of times over phone, and the quick resolution from my dealership (with a complimentary car wash and 27 point inspection).
For the ABS self check, see 07 Outlander manual p.3-104.
I was happy they replaced the bearings, because after that, I don't hear the clunking sound anymore when I turn. I guess the fact that the dealer said these are newly designed bearings they've installed, this alone would indicate the the steering clunk is a different issue.
But it was nice you've pointed this one out since new owners who don't have the true "clunk" issue might confuse it with the ABS self-check, especially now that we have several posts about this problem.
When I asked about the second noise, they indicated that this was normal. This noise occurs after I put the car in gear and begin to drive.
Let me say first: I LOVE this vehicle and its amenities. Like others' experiences, the clunk sound is present when turning into, or backing out of, a parking spot, whether it is at the beginning or end of a ride (which debunks the 2mph ABS self test?). Will be calling the dealer tomorrow when they open and will report back.
Thanks to whoever started this forum. It's been most helpful!
Please keep me posted with any new findings!