creeking noise from front right

Thanks in advance for reading this post.

I having some trouble with a 2001 taurus 3.0 duratech DOHC 133,000 miles.

had to replace the CV axle on the front passengers side because of vibration durting acceleration. since the stuts had never been replaced i changed those too. when I broke it down, I noticed the ball joint had significant play and pressed that out and put a new one in.

After I put everything back together, now I notice a noise from the front end. It sound like a creeking/spring noise. more like a leaf spring compression on my boat trailor. I notice it at lower speeds during bumps to the right side of the car or a sharp turn to the left.

If at higher speeds, I don't notice the creeking but another noise a Clunk sound surfaces during the initial part of a sharp maneuver both on a right or left turn.

I am not sure if the two noises are related. It does seem to become more pronounced as time moves on.

The car does not handle as it should since I replaced those components. I can't really explain it exactly. at highway speeds around curves, it seems the steering has to be put in a bind when turning to the left in a curve. the car slightly twists before going into the turn. Going into a right curve seems to be fine or what I am familiar with the car. My wife is the primary driver, but it just does not feel like it should.

my first thought is i must have left something loose. I pulled the tire off and checked the torque on all the bolts that I had taken apart:
1) drive axle nut
2) brake nuts
3) i only loosend the top of the stabilizer link so I checked only where it connected to the strut
4) the knuckle to strut nuts
5) speed sensor nut
6) the a-arm bolt & nut
7) top strut mounting bolts
8) strut to strut plate nuts
9) tie rod to knuckle bolt
10) ball joint nut

Again, I did not notice any of these issues before replacing the cv axle, front struts, and right side ball joint. I have checked components for wiggle or play.

Did you by chance turn the steering by hand, without the car running, while working on it? Maybe you caused some air to get into the power steering system by moving it without the engine running, and that's what you're experiencing.

-Rod

Thanks for the post

I'm sure it is possible with me climbing in and out of the vehicle. i'll follow the purging guidlines and let ya know.

with the engine running, I turned the wheel from stop to stop about six times to bleed any air from the lines.

same noises and steering issues.

If I should try to bleed it another way, let me know.

One of the moderators, way2old, has posted suggestions on bleeding air from the power steering system before. I think it entails more than parking the car nose-high and turning the steering lock-to-lock. Using the "Search this forum" feature from the Taurus main page, try an Advanced search for power steering keywords by way2old.

-Rod

Rod:

this is what I found under taurus by way2old

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t672377-2001_power_steering_pump.html

"way2old
02-11-2007, 07:39 PM
Jack the front of car up off ground. Disable ignition or fuel system so the vehicle does not start. Crank engine over while turning steering wheel from lock to lock at a moderately slow speed. After doing this for about 10 to 15 seconds, place it on the full right stop and lock steering wheel. Leave car for a few minutes or until the fuzzy bubbles are out of the reservoir. Do same thing and leave locked to the left..."

Yep, that sounds like what I remember reading. Have you tried this process, and if so, how did it work for you?

-Rod

I'll give this a try and let ya know.