binding going into turns

[james123]

I'm almost certain it's drivetrain related because when I'm backing up, the car will make a popping noise once. And going into lefthand turns the car will initially bind up and plow forward. I have to return the steering wheel to center, and turn again to get it to turn. It's somewhat sporadic when it does this.

I've checked suspension pieces for binding, had the car aligned, and everything checked out. Any ideas would be appreciated. The pop noise comes from the rear. I took the front case off the transmission. When I tore apart the center diff. I found the spider gears were somewhat worn, but not terribly bad. The carrier bearing on the intermediate shaft has quite a bit of slop in it. I wasn't sure if this was normal, but when I spin the bearing, the slop is great enough that part of it doesn't touch the shaft. I attached a picture and circled the bearing in reference.

Thanks for any help.

 

[brodiedehass]

You need to update your profile so we know what car we are dealing with. Have you checked your CV joints?

 

[james123]

It's a 90 awd Talon. The passenger side axle had a little more in/out play than it should, and the tie rod boot was torn pretty badly. But it had plenty of grease in it.

After looking at the end bearing on the vfaq page, that bearing is tight to the shaft. Where mine has a great deal of play.

 

[brodiedehass]

The axle is designed to extend maybe 2 inches or so. Try lifting up the front of the car and turn and spin the wheel by hand.