Ford Repair: Front end, 1998 ford escort, ford escort

Question
When I go slow 10-20 mph the car I have makes this rattle that I can feel in the steering wheel. As soon as I turn to take a corner or adjust during a curve, the rattle disappears. I just had my tires rotated and balanced, but it's been doing this off and on for some time now. Any idea what is causing this?  My car is a 1998 Ford Escort LX four door.

Answer
The first thing I would check, since it is a common repair for Escorts, is play in outer tie rod ends.  This can be checked easily.  I do it by kneeling down and grabbing the tire at 9 and 3 o'clock and "pushing" or "rocking" the tire.  If there is any movement, any clunking, or play in the tire, this is a good indication that the outer tie rod end is worn.  

Hope this helps,

Dave