What causes a 2003 ford escape popping sound under the hood mechanic cant find anything wrong it steers great but pops everytime you turn left to right?

1. Steering Rack: The steering rack is a mechanical component that connects the steering wheel to the wheels. If the steering rack is damaged or worn out, it can cause a popping sound when you turn the wheel. This is because the steering rack is unable to smoothly move the wheels, causing them to jerk and pop instead.

2. Tie Rod Ends: The tie rod ends are the ball joints that connect the steering rack to the wheels. If the tie rod ends are worn out, they can also cause a popping sound when you turn the wheel. This is because the tie rod ends are unable to properly move the wheels, causing them to jerk and pop instead.

3. Loose Bolts: Loose bolts or nuts in the steering system can also cause a popping sound when you turn the wheel. This is because the loose bolts or nuts are allowing the steering components to move around, which can cause them to jerk and pop.

4. Worn Out Bushings: The bushings in the steering system are rubber components that help to absorb vibrations. If the bushings are worn out, they can cause a popping sound when you turn the wheel. This is because the worn out bushings are unable to properly absorb vibrations, causing them to make a popping sound instead.

5. Faulty Wheel Bearing: A faulty wheel bearing can cause a popping sound when you turn the wheel. This is because the faulty wheel bearing is unable to properly support the weight of the vehicle, causing the wheel to jerk and pop instead.