Ok guys, I think I might know what is wrong, but I'd like some opinions.
When I turn my wheel all the way, left or right, I hear a thumping/creaking sound coming from my front wheel wells.
What do you think? CV related? Rough $ estimate for both front?

 

rack and pinion power steering

 

Could be strut bearing is bad.

 

It just might be the springs moving a little bit that they are creating that noise. It might also be bad bushings and ball joints.

Bad CV joints are determined by hearing a "clicking" sound while you are driving.

 

i got same problem. dunno what it is. but is it possible it can cause anything to happen or get worse? dangerous? etc? BTW g20flyer did u just join the .org? check out regional northeastern forums for meets we have in NE area. just had one in ct last month, and having 2 within the next 2 months. check it out!

 

Thanks for the reponses guys, looks like I'm gonna have to do the usual rounds to the dealers to get some estimates. Just hoping I could pretend I knew what was wrong =)
I'll post back here what it eventually was, for search results anyways. Any more ideas before I go?

 

dealers will rob you

 

It could start hurting your tranny if you dont fix the CV's. Again, it is a clicking sound while you're driving if they are going. Goto www.raxles.com and look at their faq.

Yah just joined up cuz i just got my max...i'll check it out and meet up with u guys...thanks!

 

is what you have sort of a squealing like bad brake pads? Cause I get a real high pitched squeal like that when I turn left and need solutions.

 

It's not the CV. If it's a cracking sound during slow turns or whatever it's the STRUT BEARING.

 

Sometimes at low speeds, I hear hum-hum metal on metal rubbing.

Sometimes at turns, I hear a creaking noise, like an old wooden floor.

Sometimes while driving, I hear a cracking noise.

All noises coming from driver side..

????

 

I've been through it all to stop the metal on metal rubbing sound...replaced rotors first, which was not the problem, mostly because it is when there is upward or downward force put on the wheel (turning right at high speeds). I also have alot of feedback from the brakes, mostly a bad vibration when I slow to a stop from a high speed. This was there before and after the rotors were replaced, so I swapped the axle because the boot was ripped...still there. On to the hub bearing...replaced and still there. Upper strut mounts...replaced when new springs and struts were replaced, noise still there. I can only figure that I bought an axle that was defective, so I'm gonna replace that again, along with control arm bushings. Dammit, it's getting really irritating.

 

Yep, I believe that is the problem too. Have same thing. CVs have nothing to do with it

 

Could that cause the braking vibration that I mentioned above?

 

im going to second my opinion on the rack and pinion get that checked out

 

Its the upper strut mount. It's a 4 dollar part from nissan, and it's easy to do yourself.

 

If MadChef's problem is occurring when the wheel is turned in full rotation at low speeds or a standstill, then yes, it is the upper mount. That noise went away when I replaced them. BTW, where are you finding upper mounts for $4???? The cheapest price I've seen for the KYB's is $35, but they are not recommended. Cattman should have the OEM mounts available @ $40 per side.

 

I believe it is where your struts meet the spindle. I had this problem after I installed my springs. I didn't torque on the lower two bolts enough. When I turned the wheel it would make the noise your are describing. Jack the car. And rock the wheel. If there is play, this is the problem. Simply tighten the bolts. 19mm on one side and 17mm on the other.

 

I just started getting a old wooded floor creaking also ,it seems like thr frame is twisting.

 

yeah i'm gunna replavce the upper strut mounts, because mine started when i replaced my springs and struts, and i've alreay replaced my axles due to riped cv boots both sides and cracking in that. which upper mounts should i go with? are KYB any better then oem?

 

According to Brian Catts, don't get the KYB's, get the OEM's. I paid $40 per side for OEM's, which is almost the same (+/-) as the KYB's.

 

Thanks for the info! Always good to hear somebody with the same problem, then their solutions.
I have had dealers tell me that when I got new struts put in (several years back at Sears) that apparently they didn't put in new upper strut mounts that match? I found it hard to believe, but maybe the upper strut mounts are indeed my problem.

How much you think the dealer will charge me for the parts + labor? $80 for two upper strut mounts, and say, $150-$200 for labor?