2004 Kia Optima Steering problems

MRBIGCWIL

MEMBER
2004 KIA OPTIMA
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
105,400 MILES

2004 Kia Optima V6 When making a right turn the steering wheel begin sticking and after making the turn it is hard to straighten the steering wheel and it make a loud pop sound.

Thursday, August 4th, 2011 AT 6:33 PM

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,742 POSTS

That's typical of a sticking upper strut mount. Reach over one of the front tires and place your fingertips on the top of the coil spring, then have a helper slowly turn the steering wheel. You should feel the spring turn smoothly with the wheel. If the upper mount is binding you'll feel the spring wind up and go under tension, then suddenly snap free. That's the mount that is sticking.