Creaking noise when turning steering wheel.

[JDM-derek]

Hey guys I've had this problem on my EK for months now and still can't fault it.

So everytime on warmer days my steering wheel will make a creaking when I turn.
I've recently changed upper bushes, lower bushes, new rack with new inner and outer tie rods.

I've put the car on a four poster hoist at work and still can't faults anything.


Cheers guys

[Blaze]

Is the noise coming from the steering wheel or from outside the car?

[JDM-derek]

Is the noise coming from the steering wheel or from outside the car?

You definitely can feel it on the steering wheel and can hear it coming from the steering column. I've just changed the uni joint now, bit better. But nah didn't fix it!

Could the LCA bushes cause noise as well when turning?

I got another person at work to diagnose it and we are left hanging without a clue

[cbauto]

sounds like a BHG

[u mad?]

Tried putting your car in the air (jackstands/hoist), put a jack under your tyre to simulate load, then try turning the wheel to see if you can locate noise?

Otherwise just say fuk it and take it to a suspension specialist, they love diagnosing shit like this hehe

[bennjamin]

Got coil overs ? The less movement through the suspension can be transferred into the suspension towers and creak like you say.
Got larger than standard rims ?(17s or 18's) ? More load is applied upon the rack to rotate more mass and more grip/wider tyres
A combination of the above will bring creaking on an older chassis

[JDM-derek]

Got coil overs ? The less movement through the suspension can be transferred into the suspension towers and creak like you say.
Got larger than standard rims ?(17s or 18's) ? More load is applied upon the rack to rotate more mass and more grip/wider tyres
A combination of the above will bring creaking on an older chassis

Yeah I've got BC coilovers had them for about 3 years. Can you replace the top struts in them?
I'm running 15x8 Buddyclubs 225/45/15 tyres . Never had this issue until recent months.

Also the rack feels it's working harder when it starts to creak! Could it a lazy PS pump?

[bennjamin]

Yeah I've got BC coilovers had them for about 3 years. Can you replace the top struts in them?
I'm running 15x8 Buddyclubs 225/45/15 tyres . Never had this issue until recent months.

Also the rack feels it's working harder when it starts to creak! Could it a lazy PS pump?

Try bleeding the air from the PS system - this may very well cure your issue.

Make sure the engine is warm.

Park the car on grass OR jack the front of the car up - take off the PS reservoir cap (little red cap on RHS of engine bay ) - top up the reservoir if need be.
Start the car then slowly turn the steering wheel to full lock left and back full lock to right half a dozen times. You will hear the engine idle drop a touch as the rack hits its end limit , and a slight groan. As this happens the level will rise slightly , and a slight foam will show.
IF there is enough air displaced the level will peak lower. Return to center then turn off the motor , check the PS reservoir for overflow and top up if need be.