"Knocking" noise in steering wheel?

The Big Red Button

I drive a 98 Mitsubishi Colt. It passed the NCT in August, and I got a full service done in March. Recently I've noticed a sort of knocking noise coming from the steering wheel, not all the time, maybe once a week or so, just for a few seconds. Other than that it's running absolutely perfectly. Is this something I need to get checked out? And is it likely to be expensive?

metzengerstein

i had similar type noise,when i turned,it turned out to be the cv joint the noise has since not returned since replacing it

crosstownk

When does this knock happen? While turning the wheel? On full lock? On rough surfaces?

A bit more detailed info might help here.

The Big Red Button

Thanks for the replies!

It happened twice today, and both times when I was turning left onto a rough gravel surface. I was going very slowly though in first gear. And now that I think about it, the other times I've noticed it were at the same left turn (into my boyfriends house.) I haven't noticed it apart from that, but then again I wouldn't often be driving on rough surfaces. But it's definitely there, I could sort of feel it through the steering wheel and my friend who was in the car could hear it too.

Sorry I can't be more detailed ... I know very little about cars

crosstownk

It does sound like a worn CV joint - especially if you were at (or near) full lock at the time.

The Big Red Button

So if it is that, how urgently do I need to get it sorted out? (I only drive approx 40km a week.) And any idea of cost? And is this a natural wear-and-tear thing, or am I doing something wrong when I'm driving?

Much appreciated

crosstownk

It's normal wear and tear. It will get more noticeable and will eventually happen nearly all the time if it's not addressed. It's not mega-urgent but it does need to be fixed.

No idea of cost - sorry. If I was to guess I'd say €200 or so.

The Big Red Button

Great, thanks for that! Sorry for sounding like such a girl :rolleyes:

crosstownk

chatterpillar wrote: »

Great, thanks for that! Sorry for sounding like such a girl :rolleyes:

No need for any apologies. Best to ask rather than 'wait and see'.

Remember that this is an 'internet diagnosis' and may not be accurate. Best to get your mechanic to check it out to be sure.

The Big Red Button

Will do, as soon as I can, might be a couple of weeks before I can afford it but I'll keep her off the road as much as possible until then!