clunky noise - not cv boot - on sharp steering

[bigschoen]

Man, I am posting like a champ. Been gone for a while now I got to get my car back in good shape.

I have this loud creaking sound, coming from driver front wheel area - when I turn the steering wheel all the way from one side to center. Like backing out of the driveway, don't here it on reverse, but right when I turn the steering wheel to go straight, it's really loud and you can feel it on the floor board a bit...

It's not a cv boot/joint, I know what the sounds like (that needs to be replaced too...but that's another story.) It's very loud and continuous as I turn (like a door creaking upon opening, but lower pitch of course.

Happens more and is more audible when it's cold outside.

Any thoughts? Could it be something in the strut assembly cause I need to replace those anyways??

Much thanks in advance!!
adam in ohio

 

[sdpatt]

Sounds like it could be the outer tie rod end. You can remove the tire and wheel and grab the tie rod end with you hand. Rotate the end of the link and listen for the familiar noise.

The CV joint sounds like the old "cards in the spokes" sound.

If it's not the tie rod end, it could be the upper spring pad rubbing against the inside of the strut tower. Have you had the upper alignment plates drilled and moved outward to change the camber? A little silicone grease in the right spot will silence that problem.

These noises would be so much easier to diagnose if we could hear them.

 

[220ksho]

I would have to say it's definitely something with the struts. If it's not the pad rubbing on the tower like Scott said, it could be a worn upper strut bearing which allows the spring/strut assy to rotate while you turn the wheel. The bearing and upper mount should be replaced on every strut job.

Jeff Grondin (Michigan)