Vibration when accelerating from a stop or turning right

LISA MALONE

MEMBER
2008 FORD FOCUS
4 CYL
AUTOMATIC
149,501 MILES

I just recently had the outer tie rod replaced and a week ago my car started making a loud vibrating noise when I make a right turn. Also when I first accelerate to take off car doesn't shake at any speed or when braking just makes the noise and feeling when I take off or turn right. As long as I am going straight backing up or turning left it doesn't do it.

Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 3:47 PM

6 Replies

LISA MALONE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Sorry about the mistakes, I really should proof read before I submit.

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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 5:57 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,182 POSTS

Hi Lisa,

Your post is very understandable. LOL

Hay, is it possible for you to record what you are hearing and upload it for me to hear? It would help.

Also, when you experience this, is there a clicking involved? Do me a favor. Take a look through this link that discusses symptoms related to a bad CV joint. I'm questioning if that is the problem.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

Let me know.
Joe

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Saturday, September 19th, 2020 AT 6:02 PM

LISA MALONE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Hi Joe, I have had CV joint issues before and I did not believe that is what this is. There isn't a clicking or popping noise just a very loud vibration. I have asked a few people (who are not licensed mechanics which led me here) and I've been told they think it could be the tie rod needs adjusted/pulled out a little, or a bearing or the ball joint. I have an audio clip but I can't add it because it says 'file type not allowed'. Could I possibly email it to you? I'm not tech savvy so I do not know how to change it to post it.

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Sunday, September 20th, 2020 AT 11:24 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,182 POSTS

Hi Lisa,

Do me a favor. If the alignment is out really far (due to the new tie rod), you should see a cupping or chopping on the tires. See if there is any evidence.

If that isn't the case, let me know if you feel comfortable safely lifting the front of the vehicle to do some checking. Also, let me know if the vehicle was aligned after the work was done.

Joe

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Sunday, September 20th, 2020 AT 5:31 PM

LISA MALONE

MEMBER
4 POSTS

No evidence of anything on the tire. I do not believe it was aligned. I am comfortable looking at whatever you need me to look at.

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Sunday, September 20th, 2020 AT 6:52 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,182 POSTS

Lisa,

Safely lift one front wheel off the ground at a time. Then, place your hands first at 3 and 6 oclock. Wiggle the wheel/tire agressively back and forth to see if there is play. Next, place your hands at 6 and 12 oclock and do the same thing.

If everything feels tight, grab the axle under the vehicle and see if there is play in that as well.

I attached three pics below. The first pic is the axle (one on each side).

Pic 2 I highlighted the lower ball joint. This can have up and down play and if bad enough, side to side.

Pic 3 In pic 3, I highlighted the outer and inner tie rods. Make sure the nut is tight on the outer. ALso, I highlighted lower control arm bushings.

Check to see if any of these things are loose. Don't be afraid to put a pry bar in places to see if there is movement.

Let me know what you find, and be careful.

Take care,
Joe

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