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Buick Rendezvous Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • maxeybillymaxeybilly Member Posts: 29
    My driver's side heated seat was working fine then started heating up REALLY hot, then just quit working totally. (The passenger seat still works fine.) The switch light still comes on but no heat and that leather seat is REALLY COLD. Anyone have this problem? Anyone know how a DIY'er can troubleshoot/fix it w/o having to go to a shop. I really can't afford another repair bill right now. Thanks to any/all who answer. Hope I can help you someday!
  • cassandrajcassandraj Member Posts: 16
    My seat is just starting to do this as well. This past week there is a hot spot on the left side that litererally burns my leg every time I turn it on. So if anyone has advise for either of us that would be great.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Sometimes you can do a computer scan for hints of trouble (trouble codes).

    Here's how the basic system works, to give you a better working knowledge of it:

    HEATED SEAT OPERATION
    The driver and front passenger seats are heated using electric heater elements with approximately 1 ohm of resistance each and are located in the lower seat cushions and seat backs. Voltage to the heater elements is controlled by the heated seat relay modules using inputs from the heated seat switches and the heated seat thermistors. The heated seat relay modules and thermistors are part of the lower seat cushion heater element assemblies. Ignition voltage is supplied to the heated seat switch assembly and is used to supply a signal voltage to the relay module and to illuminate the heated seat indicator during heated seat operation. Battery voltage is supplied to the relay module through a PTC device located in the seat harness which provides extra circuit protection. During heated seat operation the relay module switches the battery voltage supply circuit to the heater element supply circuit. The seat cushion and back heater elements are wired in series and always operate simultaneously. The seat temperature is regulated by the relay module using an input from the thermistor located in the seat cushion. The thermistor is a temperature sensitive variable resistor and the relay module determines the seat cushion temperature by monitoring the signal voltage supplied to the thermistor. When the desired seat temperature has been reached the relay module will open and close the supply voltage to the heater elements as necessary in order to maintain the seat temperature.
  • cassandrajcassandraj Member Posts: 16
    Hi Amseidl, My 2005 redezvous was stalling occassionally and I just had a new gas filter installed at Oil Lube & Express for around $50.00. My redezvous is running so much better. Had 62,000 miles on it. Before this, when I pressed my gas I was feeling delay like the transmission may be starting to slip, but it seemed more to do with my gas not responding. That was the fix. Warning do not have your gas filter changed at a dealership. You will pay through the nose!!!!
    I wish you the best!
  • ealfordealford Member Posts: 15
    Cassandra. You may have gotten ripped off on that fuel filter. I asked my dealer to replace mine and he said there is no external filter to change. I also noticed nothing in the owner's manual about changing the fuel filter. If there indeed is one I would sure like to know where it is.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Yeah there is, under the car between the pump and the injectors.
  • billylbillyl Member Posts: 9
    I just changed mine on a 2004 CXL. The filter is located against the inside of the frame just about even with the middle of the driver's door. Just slide under the vehicle and look up at where the middle to the driver's seat would be located. Mine was very easy to change and the filter was less than $20.00. Hope this helps.
  • exhaustedexhausted Member Posts: 21
    Well...Just unloaded mine for peanuts. thanks to the board for all the good advice!

    Cheers! :shades:

    Exhausted.
  • advent70advent70 Member Posts: 4
    A 2003 Rendezvous air bag warning light has been staying ON at random times after starting the vehicle. A Buick dealer read several DCTs and said the BCM and SDM were not communicating with each other and that the BCM was most likely the problem. (NOTE: None of the other systems or components controlled by the BCM were giving any trouble.) The BCM was replaced and the date on the original was noted as 1-31-03.

    The dealer then found that when the vehicle was cold from sitting in the parking lot, the light would stay ON. When the vehicle was brought into the shop and allowed to warm up, the light would stay OFF. The dealer noew says the problem is in the SDM. The mechanic told the owner (my daughter) that all the wiring harness were inspected and voltages were tested with the SDM unplugged from the wiring harness. No problems were found. He said he could not test for voltages and resistance with the harness connected. (I use quilting pins to reach into a plug or socket and get resistance readings with power OFF and voltages with power ON)

    Questions:
    1. Should the dealer be able to test and isolate the problem with a module, wiring harness/connectors or sensors without trial replacement of modules ($500 + for BCM & $700+ for SDM)?
    2. Can the SDM (mounted under the driver's seat) be tested for temperature sensitivity by cycling from warm to cold with an ice pack and heat lamp?
    3. Has anyone had this temperature related problem before?
  • madashell7madashell7 Member Posts: 1
    I wouldn't wish a 2003 Rendeveous on my worst enemy. I bought new 6 yrs ago. Has 66800 miles and the problems have been from day 1. Air wouldn't work first time went to use 4 months after purchase. They had to replace brake pads just a few months after buying. Vent louvers weren't working on the rear console. Did lousy job putting console back and had to take back for them to redo it right. Extreme noise from tires - fineally replaced with Michelins (my cost) and it solved noise. Had engine knocking (ticiting). Flushed and said something most have got past filter. At 51000 window regulator broke, at 60000 and second regulator broke. Wouldn't even talk about a discount to fix. Wanted almost 700 to fix both. Now it's leaking coolant - intake gasket. Looking at another 500+ dollars. This car has been a joke -- paid over 33000 for it. Could've had TWO Kia Sonrentos for this piece of crap. I told Dealership my first and last Buick. As far as I was concerned GM could fold. I took it else where to get the window fixed - cheaper. I'll know tomorrow if they are going to help on the engine job - although I'm not betting on it. STAY away from the 02 , 03 04 models at least. Don't know about the newer ones.
  • bxdbxd Member Posts: 186
    Early ones are problematic. If you are very handy around cars, or you get a warranty, fine, otherwise I would stay away from 2004 or earlier.

    Our 2007 has 38000 miles on it now and has been flawless. Drives beautifully, tons of room, quiet, good gas mileage. We love it and I wouldn't trade it for anything else out there. Our friends have a 2006 and they feel the same way.

    Every brand has lemons, foreign and domestic, its important to do your research before buying. So you're one step ahead of everyone else buying blindly!
  • cassandrajcassandraj Member Posts: 16
    I have a 2005 and I love it. Mine has captain chairs in the middle with a 2 seat bench in the back with cup holders between the back two seats. I love the fact that the back folds down anytime I basically need a truck type feature. I simply keep one of those waterproof blankets in the back storage compartment and I have a way to instantly haul things like mulch or wet soccer stuff instantly without getting my car a mess. I love all the fancy features of the backup system. I have only had to have some work to the front wheel area which was about $500 and replaced the fuel filter for about $50 and a new battery. I have about 70,000 on mine. Still love it and would definitely buy another one.
  • lllabratlllabrat Member Posts: 12
    I have a 2006 Rendezvous CX with 75000 miles on it. I bought it brand new 4+ years ago. I have had one problem with it. The right front wheel bearing went at about 65k miles. Replaced it myself for less than $100. Other than oil/filter changes every 5k and new tires I have done nothing to it. More reliable than a Toyota. Been a great vehicle for our family.

    Dave
  • pangspangs Member Posts: 1
    I purchased the car last 2008 then i was having too much problems 1st the tank keeps on going up and down. 2nd my steering wheel is shaking sometimes but not too often 3rd the car is having a hard time accelerating but when you reverse the car it feels smooth but when you go forward the car feels like its on a foot break and when i came out it smells like burning tire but there is no smoke at all
  • bxdbxd Member Posts: 186
    1. Sounds like a fuel sender. The tank will need to be lowered and the part replaced,

    2. Probably a tire balance issue, but could be warped rotors as well if it mainly happens when you're applying the brakes.

    3. Possibly one of your brakes is binding. Whoever did the last break job may not have properly lubricated the caliper slide points and now the brakes have overheated, warped the rotors, and fried the pads.

    Sounds like the last owner (or his shop) didn't do proper maintenance. Get those brakes checked out and you'll be back to enjoying the ride.
  • austinpaustinp Member Posts: 2
    I dispise my 05 Rendezvous now. I loved it for awhile but I have put 8 yes 8 wheel bearings on it. My trunk opens whenever it wants. It sounds like a freight train. AWD leaking AWD disable. I just had it at the shop yesterday to replace a wheel bearing again. My car alarm goes off whenever when it's hot out it never wants to start. Brake Warning. Squeeks and Rattles. Speedomiter quit one day when i was 200 miles from home and I had to drive home without a speedomiter luckily I had verizon's excellent GPS which helped somewhat. Liftgate is SO HEAVY! Shocks went bad, power window on right side stopped, Transmission Surges when going uphill, CD player skips, Liftgate stopped opening, Vehicle Service Soon comes on when it is below 30 degrees farenheit. I have had so manyn problems I expected better from a BUICK next week we'll be getting either a ford escape or chrysler pacifica. :lemon:
  • bbowen1bbowen1 Member Posts: 2
    NO IT IS NOT!!!!!!
    After having so many problems with it, I made up in my mind to trade it off. I was confronted by several car dealerships about this thing, known for transmission going out (had my replaced last year) known for to many minor problems, but costly fixes, and most of all known for the motor locking up (thats why I don't own one now). Still owing on it, an spending more money to fix it then the note itself. I surrendered it back to its owner, gladly.

    I have brought many lemons in my life time, this lemon was the only one that presented itself as a lime....then a trash bag. I too thought more of Buick then this. Next time (To: Buick Inc.) stop trying to be like the next man and just be the better man.... This was the worst invention you have ever made.... A ticking time bomb....
  • kriegsiekriegsie Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2002 Rendezvous with about 167,000 miles on it, bought new in 2001. It's had more than its share of problems. I too have the temperature sensitive airbag sensor light issue. The dealer is about to replace the SDM module for about $800.00. I'm hoping that fixes it. This is the last expense though for this car. Any more and it gets recycled. (still rides good though}.
    By the way. I just put Continental tires on and it's like driving a whole new car. Very good handling. :shades:
  • bre34bre34 Member Posts: 4
    Hello, I have a 2005 buick rendevous, got it 4 years ago with 11,000 miles and it currently has 86,000 miles, i've had several problems over the years with it. the current problem is the AWd disable light along with the anti lock brake light on, I took it to auto shop yesterday and they say it's the driver side hub and sensor needing replaced. I also have a problem the while driving, I'll be driving and the car feels like it is not getting enough power (sluggish) and I push on the accelerator and it won't pick up any speed, in town it does this a short period of time less than 1 min, but when on the highway when trying to speed up it won't pick up any speed or it will get sluggish for a longer time, I took it to a transmission shop and the first one said it sounds like the fuel pump, so the fuel filter was replaced first and then I took it to get a second opinion, and they said it's the catalyct converter and they also said if it was the fuel pump it wouldn't start. Does anyone have or had any of these same problems, if so please help.
    The speedometer stopped working at about 40,000 miles and still not.
  • bxdbxd Member Posts: 186
    Does this lack of power happen when the engine is still warming up, or only once its hot?

    Do you ever notice the engine idling poorly at a red light?

    I think the hub diagnosis is correct for your first problem.

    Brian
    07 Rendezvous
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Hello,
    I am from GM Customer Service. Can you please email me more information on your situation? Thank you,
    Mariah GM Customer Service
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Fot the AWD/ABS situation, many times it the wiring/connection to the sensor that is the problem, not the sensor itself. I would have them check that first
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    edited April 2010
    Just in case you don't know, you can click on Mariah's name to get to her Profile page with her email address.
  • bre34bre34 Member Posts: 4
    I got a new hub and sensor for the driver side and that worked for the awd disable light and anti lock, and for the oter problem with it being slugglish on highway I got a catalic converter and that seems to be working.
  • helplessrdv02helplessrdv02 Member Posts: 1
    :confuse: :sick: Hi there,
    I have a 2002 RDV that has an issue that for some reason can't get figured out... I am driving down the road and out of no where the car shuts off and the check gauges light comes on... all lights and radio are still working but the engine cuts off out of no where... I have taken it to so many mechanics since I bought it but they can't seem to find out whats wrong... I even took it to the Buick dealership and they said nothing is popping up on the computer... Transmission and engine are good, alternator is good, really weird, even passed emmissions, where i was hoping they might detect the problem. The only thing that really looks like needing attention is a tune up and I am praying that solves the issue, but i'm not sure and was really hoping I can get some input from anyone who has experienced this b4 or maybe even idea of what it could be? Buick service dept couldn't even find the issue. and now its gotten to the point where i can't even accelerate with out it sputtering and than shutting off now with check gauges light coming on... Its so weird, I just want to fix it because I really like my car, but i can even find what I need to fix... so weird!! lolz thanks so much for your feedback.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    Couple things come to mind. First is fuel filter if it hasn't been changed in a while. Another is the C-305 connector which is known to have issues. It is a pass-through connector to the rear of drivers seat under carpet (about where a rear passenger would put their feet) and is subject to corrosion/water intrusion and can cause the exact symptoms you describe.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    edited April 2010
    If no codes come up, but the scanned *does* communicate okay with the ECM then one might suspect a defective component that isn't designed to throw codes...like what Ray suggests---fuel filter, fuel pump, relay, etc.

    If the scanned doesn't communicate at all with the ECM, that suggests a computer problem or wiring problem

    You might carry a can of starter fluid and when this cut-off happens, see if you can squirt some into the air cleaner intake. If the engine starts up again briefly, then that tells you that it was a fuel shut off issue.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    That is great! If you do experience any other issues please let me know. Thank you,
    Mariah GM Customer Service
  • ferrisamyferrisamy Member Posts: 1
    I am having the same trouble with my 2005. Every year since 2007 I have had to replace the front wheel hub and bearing - 1x on the left and 3x on the right. I fought GM for the extended warranty. It just expired, needless to say the front right went again.....I have also had to replace the transmission......I would not recommend this car. I have never felt safe in it.
  • bxdbxd Member Posts: 186
    Ferrisamy-

    That is obviously not normal. Hubs don't go bad every year. The earlier designs were prone to having problems, but not THAT often.

    The bearings in these hubs are somewhat sensitive. Whatever shop/dealer is installing your hubs is probably placing pressure on the bearings and damaging them during install, causing premature failure. You should be demanding refund from your shop, and take it somewhere else where they know what they're doing.

    My Rendezous has 40,000 miles and 0 hubs have been replaced.
  • drosierdrosier Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2002 Rendezvous that done the same thing . I have checked the battery , all fuses all wiring and starter everything chechs good I still havenot got it started. It will jump at the starter and start and go dead after about 2sec. I need help
  • jpiercejpierce Member Posts: 49
    Hi Everyone its been sometime since I posted here. My 02 RDV has been working ok over the last three years (since I repaired 25 different items on it prior to 2007). You name it, it has been fixed (some under warranty some not (e.g., Transmission replacement at 90,000 km only 4 years old, faulty planatary gears....GM would not help or offer any help....I got it replaced by a good company using only Moog replacement parts, no probs since and costing less than half what GM quoted). Know I am dealing with general wear and tear. The air compressor seems to be gone (it does not have the pressure (diaphram gone?, all hoses are fine), I checked out the GM world parts web site and they want 600 bucks for it which I find way over priced for a little compressor in my opinion which is no different then a general 12V one you can purchase at Canadian Tire for 20 bucks. Has anyone replaced one as of yet and has anyone investigated installing and adapting a 12V compressor. I am quite handy so I wonder if this is possible.

    Thanks

    James
  • googleyesgoogleyes Member Posts: 2
    Back in the old days of air shocks we use to run the airlines from the shocks to a tire valve screwed into the back bumper, when you wanted to pump them up you would just use the FREE air from your friendly neighborhood service station. You could probably just remove the compressor and "jumper" it with a short piece of copper pipe, then you could pump air into it through the inflater outlet in the rear cargo area. To retrofit a 12v compressor it would have to be weatherized to sit under the floor pan like the original otherwise to have it in the vehicle you would have to listen to it pound away when it needs to pump up the volume. I have had mine replace twice (luckily under extended warranty) and was pondering what to do the next time it goes, it really is a ticking time bomb. Let us know how you make out.
  • spike99spike99 Member Posts: 239
    edited May 2010
    Couple ideas come to mind.

    Option A - convert auto leveling system into manual system. See post of jpierce. Good "simple & low cost" idea on this method.

    Option B - install 3rd party air compressor (under a passenger seat or in rear side panel) and install off/on manual buttons on the dash area. Or, install manual buttons inside glove box or center console area. Somewhere where items won't accidentally bump into them. Same idea many hot-rod folks install in their muscle cars - for their vehicle's air shocks.

    Option C - Install Timbren SES units. If wondering, I installed Timbren SES unit's in my wife's mani van (that uses coil springs in its rear). If wondering, they replace factory bump stops and are an "install it and leave it" product. For our utility trailer towing needs, Timbrens SES units work great. They can be used in the RDV models as well. re: http://www.timbren.com/ses-van-suv.htm

    For low cost and seldom need extra rear support, I'd go with option A. If you like "install it and leave it" upgrade, go with option B. And if into adjusting ride comfort for maximum enjoyment (regardless of vehicle loading), I'd go for option B. Then again, it depends on your technical install comfort levels as well..

    Good luck...

    .
  • jpiercejpierce Member Posts: 49
    Thanks allot for all the advice. The suggestions are great. Partstrain.com does sell a replacement unit, however the costs are still hight (500 bucks....etc). There are few options I am considering. 1. My parts supplier is looking into for me, 2. also there is junk yard stuff (used) and the after market stuff cheep compressor from Cnd Tire. I had a look underneath. There appears to be a pump and a small tank. The pump side looks pretty basic I maybe able to remove the old pump and adapt another on the same circuit or repair the existing one.

    I will not really know until I have a closer look underneath. I consider anything possible.

    James
  • googleyesgoogleyes Member Posts: 2
    Come to think of it, when I last had my compressor changed the dealer mentioned that they thought it might have been a problem in a air solenoid as the unit was pumping up but not releasing the air to lower the back end, they just replaced the whole unit anyway. Perhaps you have a bad or sticky air solenoid that is not closing its valve off completely (maybe dirt or something under the seats).
  • jpiercejpierce Member Posts: 49
    Thanks for the advice. I will have a look when I look at the compressor more closely. Changing out a solenoid is easier than the compressor.
  • mhardwickmhardwick Member Posts: 1
    I have replaced all my wheel hub assemblies several times and my AWD and ABS light are still on. The dealer cannot find out the problem either. My latest problem is my power seat and mirror will not work. All fuses seem to be fine both under the dash and hood. Not sure what happened.
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Hello Mhardwick,
    I am from GM Customer Service. Is your vehicle currently at the dealership? What is the VIN number? How many times have you had the vehicle in to be serviced at the dealership for the same concern? Can you please email me with the information? You can get my email by clicking on my name. Thank you,
    Mariah GM Customer Service
  • kriegsiekriegsie Member Posts: 5
    The last time I had the ABS light come on it wasn't the wheel hubs. It was the cable to the sensor and it was intermittent. The dealer said there is a fuse in the cable that was the problem. It still cost me $350.00 to fix.
  • jpiercejpierce Member Posts: 49
    It sounds like corrosion on the wiring to the ABS sensor or wire short. You need to look at the connection to sensor and follow the wire to see if corroded or damaged. This is a very common problem on the RDV. As for the power seat and mirror this sounds like another wire short. Check the wiring under the carpet by the driver seat. Another common problem on RDV (wire fusing and shorting together). RDV are full of germlins (down cycle in the quality curve)

    James

    I am not sure if these are problems, but they were for me. I had the same issues.
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    On this vehicle fir the AWD disabled and ABS lights it could very well be an issue with the C305 connector if the dealer hasn't checked it yet also. It is a documented problem.
  • jpiercejpierce Member Posts: 49
    I have a very creaky front end (when accelerating or braking) and bumping sound (like something is sliding or loose under the car). My mechanic told me it was my brake pucks were floating around due to warn brake guides. Well after 3 years dealing with this creaky sound I replaced my front brakes with new guides, and the sound is still there. The bushings for the large sway bar were replaced a year or so ago and are still good (this did cause a creaky sound but was corrected)

    At one point another mechanic at the shop where I take my car told me it was the steering column and was a common problem on the RDV. He told me a temporary measure was to fill the steering column with oil (200 bucks) and permanent solution was to replace the stirring column (costs several thousand). He told me its not a safety issue just annoying.

    Has anyone come across this problem? And is it the stirring column. I hope its not the rackenpinun stirring (but I do not think so, the car tracks true and does not wonder)

    James
    2002 RDV AWD CXL
  • nlt99nlt99 Member Posts: 9
    Hi James!

    I had a similar annoying creak when accelerating or stopping. It was very difficult to find the cause (like most noises) but it turned out to be caused by one of the body struts that goes diagonally from the top of each fender well (1 bolt) to the top of the body part that goes over the radiator area (2 bolts). They are black tubes about 1-1/2" diameter that strenthen the front end of the body against torsional twisting. In my case it was the right side one that goes over the battery area and the two front bolts had been partially stripped out so I had to drill and tap for the next larger size. Totally and permanently fixed the problem for me.

    Let me know what you find, and good luck! Nick
  • dnilsondnilson Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2006 Rendezvous . This week the AWD DISABLE light came on and now won't turn off. I'm assuming that the AWD isn't working also. I've read many posts on this problem, from bad wiring to low fluid to bad tires to wheel bearings etc.... and that the dealers have tech notices on it. I don't have the money or time to keep bringing the car in until they figure it out? My wife and I have to work everyday just to pay or bills. I'm not a mechanic either. I don't know what to do? This is my first
    GM and my wife loves it, but this really has me stressed out since we don't have money for repairs.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    edited June 2010
    Conditions for Turning On the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Disable Lamp

    The AWD disable lamp illuminates when one of the following conditions exists for 5 seconds:

    * The PCM/TCM commands the solenoid ON and the voltage feedback remains high, B+.
    * The PCM/TCM commands the solenoid OFF and the voltage feedback remains low, 0 volts. This condition is present for 3 key cycles

    Action Taken When the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Lamp Illuminates

    * The PCM/TCM does not illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    * The PCM/TCM inhibits AWD.
    * The PCM/TCM records the operating conditions when the Conditions for Setting the DTC are met. The PCM/TCM stores this information as Failure Records.
    * The PCM/TCM stores the AWD disable fault in PCM/TCM history.

    Conditions for Clearing the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Disable Fault

    * A scan tool can clear the fault.
    * The PCM/TCM clears the fault from PCM/TCM history if the vehicle completes 40 warm-up cycles without a non-emission related diagnostic fault occurring.
    * The PCM/TCM cancels the fault default actions when the fault no longer exists.

    ********************************************************************************- - ***************
    Diagnostic Aids

    An ABS DTC may cause the AWD Disabled light to illuminate. Check for ABS DTCs if no AWD fault is present.
  • jpiercejpierce Member Posts: 49
    Thanks. These struts have been removed several times by myself and mechanics (battery replacement, rad replacement, BCM replacement...etc) I will check them and see. However, I am not holding my breath, the sound sure sounds like it is coming from underneath. I have had all ball joints and tie rods replaced so things are tight there. I will let you know.

    Also if anyone interested the air compressor is still working on my car. It appears the hoses were all deteriorated, so I had some extra (tygon tubing from work) and things are working again. Also the shocks I am thinking of replacing monroe sells a pair for 90 bucks US MA826 direct OEM replacement comes with new air tubing and everything.
  • pizzateriapizzateria Member Posts: 1
    Hi Anthony I,m having the same problem. Can you scan and e-mail me the instrunctions? Thanks for your help, JD
  • gmcustsvcgmcustsvc Member Posts: 4,252
    Hello Dnilson,
    I apologize that you are experiencing this problem. Can you please email me so I can get more information from you to look into this further? You can get my email by clicking on my name. Thank you,
    Mariah GM Customer Service
  • lllabratlllabrat Member Posts: 12
    I have the same exact creaking problem on my 2006 Rendezvous. It sounded like it was coming from my right hand side of the car. I replace the ball joint last year (and the hub) and it did not help at all. The hub *really* did need to be replaced but the ball joint probally was fine. That was about at 70k miles. I will try tightening up the brace struts suggested by Nick to see if that helps. The noise happens when the weight is transitioning on and off the corner of the car when turning or entering/exiting driveways. Other than that the car tracks true and straight. I am rather dubious of the mechanic's suggestion that it is the rack and pinion steering. If the rack was making those kind of noises I imagine it would affect steering and tracking.

    Dave
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