Vibration/noise when turning left

I have a 93 Saturn SL2 that started to make a vibration and low pitched
noise when I turn left. I jacked it up and do get a slight amount of play
when a grab the top and bottom of the wheel and try and move it. I don't
seem to get any when I grab the front and rear of the tire and try to move
it. This was on the passenger side. The drivers side wheel has no
detectable play at all. I'm thinking bearing, but on the other hand I know
mostly zip about other possibilities such as the front end. Any ideas?

 

My first guess was a CV joint went bad. (CV=constant velocity joint in axle
shaft)
Since you did find some play in the right side wheel, that should be
followed up first. Best way to diagnose these things is to get the whole
front in the air and disconnect the sway bar links which allows the wheels
to "float."
It could be the top strut tower bearing, lower strut bearings, strut itself
or the ball joint. Sometimes it is easier to diagnose with a pry bar between
the steering knuckle and frame and feel all joints for movement as you pry.
Pry both forward and backward.
Be safe about it. It's no fun to loose a ball joint at highway speed when
you hit a bump. ( I've see those before... not pretty)

 

Thanks, I'll give that a try.

 

Before you change your CV joint, have your mechanic look at your upper
(torque) engine mount.

My '94 went out last year and made a very similar noise.

Here's how I trouble shot mine.

Find a big open parking lot. Get your car rolling, turn off the engine
(don't hit anything) and turn left. If the noise is still there, it's
likely a wheel issue (perhaps CV joint). If the noise is gone, it's likely
an engine mount.

If you're handy with engines, the mount takes about 30 minutes to change. A
shop might charge you $150 for the job.

Also, if you've noticed increased vibration over the years...if the car
behind you is vibrating in the mirror, it might be your engine mount.

It's an easy fix.

Good luck.

B

 

You sir are correct. I raised the car and couldn't find anything wrong
there. I even ran it in gear nothing. I tightened the mount and presto. And
I had been noticing more vibration lately like the mirrors and even the
steering wheel a bit. I will replace the mounts as the vibration when I turn
quit, but I still get the mirror vibrating. Thanks for the help guys.

 

Glad you were able to find it.
I always like to first rule out the 'criticality-one' issues, having worked
in military designs. Criticality-1 parts are those, that if they fail, can
ruin your day if not your life. The space shuttle booster engine is one
example. Engine mounts, while important are to a degree redundant and not
likely to get you 'customized' if they start to fail.

Oppie

 

I usually find that if the car behind me is vibrating in the mirror I need
to turn down the CD.