Creaking when turning the steering wheel

[bongolow]

I'm getting a creaking/groaning noise when I turn the steering wheel. I've checked the fluid reservoir and it's at the 'max' mark (I assume there's no leak then). A search on the forum leads me to the power steering pump - can someone tell me where to find it and what to look for when I do? Anything else I should check? Thanks.

[Northern Bongolow]

have a try with some WYNNS POWER STEERING LEAK SEALER, what it does is cleans all the internals out,including the rack/pump.available at most motor parts suppliers.
just follow the instructions on the tin. and put it in the power steering res.

[bongolow]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.

[dandemann8]

This is obvious, don't turn the bloody steering wheel.

[bongolow]

This is obvious, don't turn the bloody steering wheel.

Good plan...! Better still, if I never use the Bongo at all I'll never have any problems....

Sorted...

[Bongopoet]

So tempted to ask if you are over 50 because if so it could be your joints
Should I run and hide now?

[MAZABON]

where would you say the creaking is coming from exacly ?, it could be anything

i would try to check all over before sticking anything in the system

one of the first things i would look at is the track rod ends, condition, excessive movement, split rubbers, dry no grease ?

id also try jacking the front end right up so both front wheels are off the ground and turn the steering wheel to see if the sound stops without load on the wheels, check condition of linkages etc

the steering column itself ?

[bongolow]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I've jacked up the front end - all the linkages seem okay. The creaking is still there with no load and it seems to be coming from the top of the offside shock absorber. Are these supposed to be lubricated in some way?

I don't know if it's of any significance but there's a plastic trim thingy at the top of the shocker which is split (arrowed) .....

[bongolow]

So tempted to ask if you are over 50 because if so it could be your joints
Should I run and hide now?

Yes I am and no it's not.....

[bigdaddycain]

Thanks for the suggestions.

I've jacked up the front end - all the linkages seem okay. The creaking is still there with no load and it seems to be coming from the top of the offside shock absorber. Are these supposed to be lubricated in some way?

I don't know if it's of any significance but there's a plastic trim thingy at the top of the shocker which is split (arrowed) .....

Just to rule it out if nothing else... Squirt WD40 around the spring seat and see if that stops the groans... Then you'll know you can eliminate other possible causes at least.

[Bongopoet]

So tempted to ask if you are over 50 because if so it could be your joints
Should I run and hide now?

Yes I am and no it's not.....

I just asked because that is my problem

[MAZABON]

i would compare it with the other side to get a better idea of how relavent it is, hard to tell from pictures

looks as though its there to stop all the crud getting thrown off the wheels getting in there, if its been like that for some time it may be the cause of your problems, with all the tension the strut is under there would not need to be too much going on to make a bad noise and be amplified through the body

as bdc says the WD40 should help with your investigation

good luck

[bongolow]

i would compare it with the other side to get a better idea of how relavent it is, hard to tell from pictures

Other side looks much the same except for the bits that have split.

Might be ball joints. The noise will be amplified by the suspension parts acting like a trumpet.

Is it ok to spray these with WD40? Shall I just spray everything that moves* with WD40 and see what happens?

* Except the brakes of course....!!

[MAZABON]

dont spray everything, just suspect areas 1 bit at a time, and keep trying the steering as you go

otherwise you may stop the noise but never know exactly what was causing it

better to find the offending area, just in case it's the start of something that could get worse

[bongolow]

dont spray everything, just suspect areas 1 bit at a time, and keep trying the steering as you go
otherwise you may stop the noise but never know exactly what was causing it
better to find the offending area, just in case it's the start of something that could get worse

Wise words. I'll do that tomorrow.