Steering Noise
9c3
06-28-2008, 06:53 AM
2000 Grand AM, 4cyl, 80K Miles
When I turn the steering wheel in either direction(though more so to the left than to the right), a low pitch creeking noise comes out of the area near the steering rack. It sounds like a car door with unoiled hinges being opened very slowly. The noise kinda follows the left tie rod boot as the wheel is being turned.
The noise happens both in park and while driving and gets really bad when it's hot outside, but almost always goes away when it cools down. The volume of it is basically determined by outdoor temperature.
It's not the power steering pump. Although that makes noise too.
The car isn't really hard to steer or anything like that.
Thanks
When I turn the steering wheel in either direction(though more so to the left than to the right), a low pitch creeking noise comes out of the area near the steering rack. It sounds like a car door with unoiled hinges being opened very slowly. The noise kinda follows the left tie rod boot as the wheel is being turned.
The noise happens both in park and while driving and gets really bad when it's hot outside, but almost always goes away when it cools down. The volume of it is basically determined by outdoor temperature.
It's not the power steering pump. Although that makes noise too.
The car isn't really hard to steer or anything like that.
Thanks
GTP Dad
06-28-2008, 10:51 AM
Unfortunately, it sounds like you may have a rack problem developing. There are products on the market, for steering racks that should quite the problem. It conditions the seals and can stop the rack from making noise. I am certain that Lucas makes one. Try this and see what happens. If this doesn't affect the noise have it checked by a mechanic. You may have to get the rack assembly replaced.
J-Ri
06-28-2008, 05:22 PM
Quite possibly the rack, but before you replace the rack, I would try sliding the dust boot down to where you can see the inner tie rod end and spray some good penetrating oil on it and see if that helps at all.
Adding on to what GTP Dad said, I would flush the P/S fluid before you add whichever additive you decide on. Dirty fluid alone can cause noises.
Adding on to what GTP Dad said, I would flush the P/S fluid before you add whichever additive you decide on. Dirty fluid alone can cause noises.
9c3
07-12-2008, 09:44 PM
I tried the Lucas PS Treatment and it didn't really do anything so...
After looking at it more closely, I think the noise is actually coming from the strut. I put my hand on top of the strut tower and it vibrates like crazy when the wheel is turned. Bad strut bearing? Spring not seated properly maybe?
I don't really have time to pull out the strut assembly until next week and the noise seems to be getting worse and more frequent. What's the worst thing that can happen while driving around with this problem?
After looking at it more closely, I think the noise is actually coming from the strut. I put my hand on top of the strut tower and it vibrates like crazy when the wheel is turned. Bad strut bearing? Spring not seated properly maybe?
I don't really have time to pull out the strut assembly until next week and the noise seems to be getting worse and more frequent. What's the worst thing that can happen while driving around with this problem?
xeroinfinity
07-13-2008, 10:18 AM
Thier is also a rubber boot at the base of the steering column that can make a squeaking noise. :2cents:
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