2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse

RAVENTY

MEMBER
2000 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
98,000 MILES

Hey guys,
I've got a 2000 Mitsubishi Eclipse GT which has about 100k miles on it. I noticed over the past few months the car started making "squeaky" noises when going over bumps or up steep hills. Then about a week or two ago when I was turning my wheel to pull out of a parking spot, the car made a loud scratching sound coming from the front wheels. I then turned the car straight and started to drive forward. As I did, it made a noise that sounded like something was dragging against the ground.

When I got out and looked, I could see nothing dragging or caught in the wheels so I then drove it slowly about another 15 feet where it then sounded like whatever was caught broke off. After this happened, it felt like the steering wasn't as "tight" as it used to be. It sorta felt a little less responsive or maybe delayed when you turn the wheel.

I took the car to my local mechanic and he said the front tires were worn down uneven and one of the wheel bearings was going so I had him replace them. However, now that I have the car back, the steering still doesn't quite feel like it used to. It almost sorta feels like the front wheels aren't as stiffly connected to the steering anymore or something. Anyone have any idea what could be up with it? Thanks!

3 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi raventy,

Thank you for the donation.

If the steering is feeling light as compared to previously, there is a possibility the steering linkages or ball joints are worn resulting in excessive free travel of the steering rack to turn the vehicles.

Unevenly worn tires is an indication of worn steering linkages and wheel bearings. Get those checked.

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Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 3:28 AM

RAVENTY

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the reply,
Two things that I wanted to note was that I just had the wheel bearings replaced (new tires as well) and when driving earlier today, I noticed that the car was drifting towards one of the sides.

Also, any idea what the sound I was hearing could have been? When I turned my wheel it sounded like something was grinding or scrapping against the ground. But even after I straightened out my car, it still made the sound as I drove straight forward. Earlier today when I was pulling into a parking spot that was on a slight incline I briefly heard the noise again.

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Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 4:06 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

When the steering is drifting to one side, the alignment is out and it can be caused by a faulty lower arm ball joint, lower arm bushes and steering linkages. Check/repair/replace the linkages and ball joints before getting the alignment done.

The noise that you hear is most probably due to the backing plates brushing against the brake rotors. Before wheel bearing replacement, the bad bearing is causing excessive play on the knuckle and the rotor is moving to brush against the backing plate. After replacement, the backing plate could too near the rotor. This would cause the rotor to brush against it when taking corners.

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Monday, September 21st, 2009 AT 10:51 PM