Creaking when turning

[YoshiBishi]

So this is a new development, my car has started to creak when I turn. I initially thought that it was just because the weather was cold, but even in 80 degree weather, it still creaks.

DrGonzo looked at it and it never creaked for him, but the second I picked up the car from getting the front end done, it creaked as I was backing out! I haven't noticed it creak when going straight over speed bumps, but when I maneuver the car into the garage, it sounds horrible.

This is pretty embarrassing and would like any input. I probably won't drive the car until it is fixed! Maybe I won't meet my 1000 miles per year quota this year at this rate.

[DocWalt]

Jack it up and listen to the suspension as you turn the steering wheel. Narrow it down to one side or another, and narrow it down from there. :) I wouldn't be surprised if it's a shot ball joint or tie rod end.

[YoshiBishi]

I don't think it is a tie rod end because those have been replaced. I'm leaning towards ball joint, will have to take a look. I might as well get my strut mount fixed too.

If it IS the ball joint, should I avoid driving the car until it is fixed? I've heard stories of wheels falling off..

[YoshiBishi]

I've got ball joints on the way, will do them this weekend. It sounds like it is coming from them, but I can't really tell.

However, here is a video showing what I am talking about. Car is off and is stationary. I hope this is just a ball joint problem...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZQ0Zrcim58

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAet7xPA4rM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPPBeez_lnw

[DocWalt]

That sounds incredibly unpleasant... Don't know what it would be besides balljoint, strut mount, maybe the strut itself (kinda doubt it), possibly a REALLY bad CV joint...

[YoshiBishi]

I'm swapping out both front ball joints this weekend to see if it fixes it. If not, I may do the CV joint. If that doesn't fix it either, then I'll replace the strut and strut mount.

The sound is horrible, not only is it unpleasant and embarrassing, but I fear catastrophic failure might ensue. She stays in the garage until I figure out what's wrong!

[Jstarr427]

sounds kinda like what happened to my ford explorer when the ball joints dried out. used a needle fitting, filled them with grease and they shut right up. There wasn't any play so I didn't replace them.

[DocWalt]

Any updates on this? Curious to hear if the ball joints fixed it.