[jmack]

Ok, do I have a horror story for you guys. My 2001 PT LE starting making a Popping Noise when I turned hard left or when I was making stiff turns (backup, pulling into spaces, etc).

Took it to our local mechanic, who has never steered me wrong in the past. Has always diagnosed any car I had's problems. He said that it was the front bushings were very severely worn (an apparent problem in early PT's) and they needed to be replaced. He said that the Tie rods and the Rack and pinion was fine. I was worried and thought I better seek a second opinion.

I took it to my 5-star dealer. They said that I needed a new Rack and Pinion, and steering gear. Total cost 667.00 estimate. The next day the family mechanic called back to see what they said. I advised him and he told me that he put the car up on the rack and there was no way the rack and pinion was needing to be replaced. He also said the tie rods were NOT worn, and that all that needed to be done was he bushings.

I went ahead and ordered the Bushings today, (they are only 85.00 for the pair) but now I have this lingering thought in the back of my mind: "will this really alleviate the popping noise?"

I just hope that someone in here can give me some advice. I am so totally confused. It is just very disheartening that after having a piece of junk Mazda for 5 years, and then I get a great new car that I get so many compliments on, and enjoy to drive, that I am starting to have some more issues. Cany anyone offer any advice?
[xx(]