Loud creaking noise while turning???

[wolfdog]

Please Help!!! My '96 Town and Country is making this loud creaking noise when turning (both ways) while in motion. I know nothing about cars and desperately need help... Any ideas???

[oldblu65]

Originally Posted by wolfdog

Please Help!!! My '96 Town and Country is making this loud creaking noise when turning (both ways) while in motion. I know nothing about cars and desperately need help... Any ideas???

Lots of possibilities for that creaking noise - could be a wheel hub bearing , a defective drive axle ( unlubricated due to damage to CV joint rubber shield ) , a spring that is rubbing bare metal as it cycles , the engine cradle rubber mounts worn enough so it can move around when turning , and ...well , it's difficult to pinpoint a squeaking noise when you can't actually ( or literally ) see or hear the problem . Doubt this helps with your frustration over the issue ? Good luck !

[shorod]

Fords of that era have quite a common issue with dry outer tie rod ends and ball joints. To troubleshoot these, I use either a needle greaser with my grease gun or a pin pick through the boot and spray white lithium grease. I try to narrow down at least which side the noise is coming from and if it seems more like ball joint or tie rod end, then lube one at a time inside the boot. If the one I choose to lubricate makes no difference, then I move to another joint, etc. until I find the one that makes a change. From my experience, you'll notice a change VERY quickly. Also, the white lithium grease "fix" will only be a temporary one.

-Rod