Temperature related steering noise

[1982X11]

This my first winter with my SHO, and by winter, I mean lows in the 30's is the worst we get here. Just discovered that my SHO makes a groaning and popping sound when temo falls below 60 degrees for 6+ hours. I back the car out of the drive and turn, and it is embarrassing. Only noticeable at low speeds, 5 mph or less. If it is cold enough, like 40's, it will still do it when I arrive at work 20 minutes later, but 50's or so does not do it 20 minutes later. Could this be a prob with the rack? It does not affect steering in any way, I just look like my otherwise clean SHO is a pile when people are around. Has anyone seen this?

 

[llamaking122]

Is it when your turning?

 

[1993MTXSHO]

My 94 does the same thing under the same conditions. So far I have replaced strut bearings and mounts and welded the subframe, didn't help. Next are all bushings and the LCA's when I get a chance. My steering does hang up a hair when its centered though, I'm hoping it's got something to do with the LCA's possibly being bad. I get a little vibration on the highway and the boosts are torn to all ****, so I'm going to change them and see what happens.

 

[sdpatt]

If the upper strut mounts have been moved outboard to lessen the negative camber from lowering springs, the outer rubber edge of upper spring pad may be rubbing on the inside of the strut tower. This shows up in colder weather because the rubber becomes harder. I use silicone grease to silence this rubber crunching/groaning/popping noise. You can stick your fingers up inside the tower far enough with the front end jacked just a few inches without removing the wheels. I just performed this operation yesterday. If this is the source of your noise, this is an easy and cheap fix.

 

[1982X11]

Yes, only when turning, bumps do not make a difference, but turning wheel, even while stopped, makes the neighbors stare.