grinding sound when you turn steering wheel

redscort · 09-25-2008, 01:42 PM

Hi, new poster here. I have a 2001 Escort. When you turn the wheel in either direction, and accelerate, you get a sound like "sticks breaking" coming from under the car. Is this bad CV joints or what? Thanks, redscort

65fastfalcon · 09-25-2008, 01:52 PM

it also sounds like ball joints in the front suspension

redscort · 09-25-2008, 02:05 PM

thanks falcon. It has about 70,000 miles. Ball joints an expnesive repair on this model???

redscort · 09-27-2008, 05:05 PM

Bump for additional responses

65fastfalcon · 09-27-2008, 08:21 PM

yeah there is a lot of labor cost unless you know how to do it yourself....there is a ball joint tool that you whack with a hammer to loosen the ball joints....can be a pain in the butt, I used it when I was redoing my front suspension on a '89 GT

theoldwizard · 09-28-2008, 01:56 AM

I'm guessing CV joints. Check the boots. If they are split/cracked your are in definite need of new CV joints.

Ball joint failing don't usually make a noise, but the steering is not as precise, especially in a straight line.