Separate issues: Stiff steering and rattle under car
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 11
From: Santa Rosa California
Separate issues: Stiff steering and rattle under car
Thinking about buying a 99 a4 TOMORROW 
, but noticed a couple issues..
1.) the steering is a lot stiffer than my dads 99 vette, much more effort to steer. What are the chances that it just needs a power steering flush and bleed? Brakes are at about 70%. Or is it pretty possible that its more severe?
2.) Rattle under the car when accelerating at low RPM's. The rattle is coming from the center of the car, so im thinking it may be an exhaust leak or a catalytic converter issue. When I rev the engine quickly the sound is more apparent even at higher RPM's.
Thanks!! I'm hoping to pick it up tomorrow if these aren't too big of issues..
, but noticed a couple issues..1.) the steering is a lot stiffer than my dads 99 vette, much more effort to steer. What are the chances that it just needs a power steering flush and bleed? Brakes are at about 70%. Or is it pretty possible that its more severe?
2.) Rattle under the car when accelerating at low RPM's. The rattle is coming from the center of the car, so im thinking it may be an exhaust leak or a catalytic converter issue. When I rev the engine quickly the sound is more apparent even at higher RPM's.
Thanks!! I'm hoping to pick it up tomorrow if these aren't too big of issues..
Last edited by mikex7; Jul 30, 2009 at 11:23 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,448
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
Thinking about buying a 99 a4 TOMORROW , but noticed a couple issues..
1.) the steering is a lot stiffer than my dads 99 vette, much more effort to steer. What are the chances that it just needs a brake fluid flush? Or is it pretty possible that its more severe?
2.) Rattle under the car when accelerating at low RPM's. The rattle is coming from the center of the car, so im thinking it may be an exhaust leak or a catalytic converter issue. When I rev the engine quickly the sound is more apparent even at higher RPM's.
Thanks!! I'm hoping to pick it up tomorrow if these aren't too big of issues..
, but noticed a couple issues..1.) the steering is a lot stiffer than my dads 99 vette, much more effort to steer. What are the chances that it just needs a brake fluid flush? Or is it pretty possible that its more severe?
2.) Rattle under the car when accelerating at low RPM's. The rattle is coming from the center of the car, so im thinking it may be an exhaust leak or a catalytic converter issue. When I rev the engine quickly the sound is more apparent even at higher RPM's.
Thanks!! I'm hoping to pick it up tomorrow if these aren't too big of issues..
Get the car up on a lift and have it inspected top to bottom by a qualified mechanic that you trust.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 16
From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
The rattle could be simple, loose bracket bolt, or it could be something very costly like propshaft issue.
What has been mod'd on this car? Have you checked the codes?
Take Lucky's advise and have it checked out by someone who knows Corvettes. A few hundred to have it inspected could save you thousands!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 787
Likes: 11
From: Santa Rosa California
Yes, I am. I had it inspected by a professional mechanic a week ago. Checked out for the most part. He noted a small exhaust leak at a flange, but this sound sounds different than an exhaust leak. Its a metallic sound like the cat is going out. I'm just not extremely seasoned with vettes and was wondering if anyone could post some insight, possibly.The rattle could be simple, loose bracket bolt, or it could be something very costly like propshaft issue.
What has been mod'd on this car? Have you checked the codes?
Take Lucky's advise and have it checked out by someone who knows Corvettes. A few hundred to have it inspected could save you thousands!
Last edited by mikex7; Jul 30, 2009 at 11:24 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 19,448
Likes: 1,155
From: Dyer, IN
Isn't that what you paid the professional mechanic to do.....provide some insight on what's wrong with the car? In his professional opinion, what is the issue with the steering and the rattle?
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