Auto Parts: Steering colum, wheel bearings, cv axle

Question
QUESTION: When I'm backing up my car and i turn the steering Wheel left or right, It makes a popping noise i took it to a private garage and they said it is the Wheel  Bearings and it would cost 400.00 to fix does this sound right. Or could it be something else.

Once I'm driving the car there is no noise from the steering  only when car is sitting still and I'm backing up and move steering wheel left or right.

ANSWER: Hi Sid,

Never heard that one. Typically, when you turn the wheels hard, forward or reverse, and move the vehicle, with a bad CV-Axle, you'll hear a clicking/popping sound. Wheel bearings typically just make a grinding/humming sound when you are moving.

What type of car do you have?

Looking for a reputable service technician? My advice on finding a good technician is: Steer clear of the dealership and 'chain' stores like Firestone, Sears, Pep Boys, Monro Muffler/Brake, Midas, etc. as they usually only employ ONE ASE Certified Tech just so they can say they do and chances are, that guy is the asst. manager or manager and is not in the store to diagnose/repair vehicles anyway. Find a service location in the link below or get some names out of the yellow-pages and do a drive-by. Garages that employ ASE Certified Technicians will be marked with the 'Blue-Seal' insignia. If unsure about whether a place employs Certified Techs, just ask to see their credentials. ALL ASE Certified Technicians will be PROUD to show and display their certificate(s).

Thanks for the question, I hope this information was helpful to you.
Fred
Knucklebusters Used Auto & Truck Parts, Inc.
www.knucklebusters.us
570-453-0910
"Re-use is the best form of recycling" Help us recycle by purchasing used parts from us!
Looking for an ASE Certified shop near you? ASE Certified Technicians are the BEST of the BEST!
Click here: http://www.ase.com/bluesealsearch/locator.php

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: It's a 2003 Cavalier

ANSWER: Hi Sid,

Ok, I'll bite. Where is the sound coming from? If outside the vehicle, can you have a friend work the wheel while you stand outside and listen to about where it is coming from?

Thanks

Fred

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: did as you said the noise is comming from the drivers side wheel when i put my hand on the wheel and have my son turn wheel left and right i feel it in ther drivers side wheel

Answer
Hi Sid,

Well, that will definitely be where you will find the source of the noise. I'm not sure how much mechanical background you have. My next piece of advice would be to jack up that corner of the car and remove the wheel and tire. Have an assistant 'jog' the wheel back and forth. 'Jogging' the wheel is when you turn it quickly left and right but ONLY to the point that the steering wheel is moving but not the front tires. When you do that you should see where the motion stops and that piece will be what needs replacement whether it be a ball joint, a tie-rod end or a wheel bearing, the part that is bad should show itself.
I wish I could actually look at the vehicle to give you a better idea, but you'll have to be the eyes and ears of this one.

Thanks for the question, reply if you need more.

Fred