I know this is a long shot but...

When I turn my steering wheel (regardless of whether the car is in motion or not), I hear a squeeking noise coming from what appears to be the steering column or left front axle. Noise is more apparent when the steering wheel is turned slowly (and released). I had a mechanic take a look at the car and he could not find out what the problem was. He checked the struts and re-lubricated the joints, but could not get rid of the squeeking noise.

I noticed the noise after driving over broken asphalt that forced me to buy new rims (noise actually appeared after the the new rims were installed, not when driving on the damaged rims). I had a mechanic take a look at the car to make sure no damage was done to the axle and he said everything looked fine.

Any ideas on what could be the problem? Please PM me!

Ted

 

For everyones reference...upper strut mounts are shot if you turn the wheel and get creaking. I believe it is the spring rotating around the strut...

 

What is the quickest/easiest way to check if it is the upper strut mounts? I thought my mechanic checked the struts, but maybe not... but your description is dead on... a loud creaking noise when I turn the wheel (even if the car is not in motion). Do you know where I can find more information on this?

Thanks,
Ted

 

bump!!!!!!

 

Probably a bad strut bearing. The strut bearing allows the spring and strut assembly to rotate freely on the upper strut mount. They tend to dry up, bind and cause exactly what your describing. New bearings cost about 20 bucks. You need to take the strut out of the car, compress the spring and pull the strut apart to get access to it for service.

Check out www.motorvate.ca for a nice write up on how to replace or just regrease that bearing.