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RobbyK Offline OP
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Our '98 Contour SE has developed a clunking noise in the steering wheel area whenever the wheel is turned. It sounds as if something is loose. It doesn't affect the steering. I'll be taking it into the mechanic tomorrow. Does anyone have a guess what this could be? TIA

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Maybe, just maybe it's the same thing that happened to me. There is a kind of rubber boot where the steering column goes through the floor. If that becomes loose it's amazing how much cluncking it can do. I cocked and taped mine back into place. By the way, you have to pull the carpet up in the front to see the boot. It's not hard. Good luck.
Rob


95 Contour LX
Approximately 120,000miles
2.5 MTX
Red
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RobbyK Offline OP
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Thanks Rob R. for the reply! I'll check that out, but I think my clunking noise comes from closer than the floor. Sorry I am not good at describing any noises, clunking or otherwise! I guess I'm really wondering if it could be a problem with the power steering. Whatever it is, I'm just hoping it doesn't cost mucho $$$ We have had no other problems with our Contour, and it's always been a breeze to drive.

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I doubt it would be the clock spring, but there are a couple of wires coming out of the clock spring that might be rattling around behind your airbag somehow. If you want to try to fix it yourself, you can start by taking off the plastic panels around the steering column. Two philips head screws on the top panel, 3 on the bottom panel. Maybe try driving around with those off to see if the clunking goes away. I'd go along with the previous suggestion that it may be the rubber flap between the dash and the steering column. Mine was a constant noisemaker. Complained about it to the dealer and they basically broke it in trying to fix it. Eventually it broke all the way off, and I don't miss it.

If you take off the steering column panels and can't figure out the noise, it might be one of the aforementioned wires stemming from the clock spring. However, if you don't trust your skills you might not want to take this one on. You'll need a 20mm hexnut drive to disconnect the airbag screws, and you'd need to disconnect the negative terminal on the battery for at least 20 minutes prior to doing any of this. Otherwise the airbag could go off by accident (it holds a reserve charge for a little while, hence the need to wait the 20 minutes). The clockspring is like a ribbon cable that controls the airbag, cruise control, and horn. It's easy to damage, so make sure you don't bite off more than you can chew, and good luck on finding a fix.

Jim

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Inside the car, or outside...?

if outside.. maybe your CV?


'95 Tour LX
ZETEC MTX
TOO MANY MODS TO LIST ANYMORE!!
http://www.geocities.com/marine113

Best mod ever to my tour: A Beautiful passenger seat filler, that is my Beautiful Girl!!
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RobbyK Offline OP
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Thanks for the replies, sorry I didn't get back here yesterday to explain what it was. It was a piece of packing in the steering wheel behind the air bag, put there for balance. I could have had it replaced for about $125 and a week's wait while they ordered it, or choice number two was to take it out and throw it away. I chose choice number two since it wouldn't affect drivability. Now I'm back to clunk-free driving!

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Excellent, glad to hear your on the road again.
Rob


95 Contour LX
Approximately 120,000miles
2.5 MTX
Red

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