Steering question - Creaky

[e30vert]

91 Mtech II vert. M20 engine . Auto Transmission. Airbag car.

When I turn the wheel at a dead stop with the engine running and the power steering I get a creaking kind of feedback through the steering wheel itself. The wheels turn and when rolling straight the creaking subsides some.

Bad steering rack? Low on fluid?
Bushings?
No leaks below rack or visible from that area.

Just purchased so I have not had a chance to tear down and inspect. Point me in the right direction.

[xLibelle]

You should have already checked fluid level.

But normally the growl means the pump needs to be rebuilt. I hear its easy enough with a kit.

[e30vert]

Its not really a growl, but more of a creaking. I know what the growl you speak of sounds like. I get no noise from the pump and can feel the creaking up through the steering column.

[Naplm00]

its most likely a bad front strut mount bearing

[steinbachphoto]

it's the front strut bearings. Mine creak too, I was just going to grease them up, when my car was in getting some stuff done I asked them to check them out and they said they were fine.

[gearheadE30]

My strut bearings did it too. They are completely colapsed to the point where the spring hat had worn a groove in the rubber.

[Cha Ching]

it's the front strut bearings. Mine creak too, I was just going to grease them up, when my car was in getting some stuff done I asked them to check them out and they said they were fine.

Are you guys serious??? I'm getting a 'creaking' or more like a 'squeeking' sound when I turn the wheel either way. Happens all the time now, too. You mean to tell me it's the front strut bearings??? But it's like I can almost hear it coming from the steering column & shaft??

[gearheadE30]

It could also sound like a popping noise. You will be able to feel and hear it through the column. I suppose it could also be the column supports, but those would creak regardless of speed and would probably be more of a grinding.

What happens is that the rubber wears out, especially if the mounts are original. When this happens, the rubber of the mount will eventually come into contact with the spring hat which creates the popping noise when turning the wheel. The mounts are quite cheap, so it would prbably be worth replacing anyway. I also think I have a set with about 1000 miles on them that I put on before I went to camber plates. PM me if you are interested and I'll see if I still have them.

[Cha Ching]

It could also sound like a popping noise. You will be able to feel and hear it through the column. I suppose it could also be the column supports, but those would creak regardless of speed and would probably be more of a grinding.

What happens is that the rubber wears out, especially if the mounts are original. When this happens, the rubber of the mount will eventually come into contact with the spring hat which creates the popping noise when turning the wheel. The mounts are quite cheap, so it would prbably be worth replacing anyway. I also think I have a set with about 1000 miles on them that I put on before I went to camber plates. PM me if you are interested and I'll see if I still have them.

The dickhead in me just noticed the OP mentioned he was at a dead stop. My noise happens when I'm moving...slight difference, huh? I do not get any other types of sounds when turning the wheel back & forth. thanks for the 411.

[gearheadE30]

Well, that could be something else then. Do you have poly control arm bushings? Those can do that. If your ball joint boots are cracked, torn, or missing and the grease has washed out, those can also make noise which you would be able to feel. The strut bearings will still make noise when you are moving, just not as much because there isn't as much lateral force on the strut.