Creaking, Popping, Front-end

[Festivus]

Mostly when steering left and right. But sometimes when backing out of driveway and going over the bump at the end.

2001 Alero GX

Steering creaks all of the time, more noticeable when going slow. It seems to pop with every 180 degree turn of the steering wheel, but that might not be exactly right.

I've read thread after thread for weeks about this issue. I've sprayed the sway bar bushings with lube and used a whole can of white lithium grease in and around the intermediate steering shaft. Still noisy like hard rubber grinding.

Other possible issues that I've read about are things from upper strut bushings to brake calipers (believe it or not).

I've never had to mess with steering components on any of my previous or current cars. Never had an issue with it. This stuff looks really complicated and tough to get at. So, I'm kinda resigned to simply putting up wth the noise. Is there typically any danger with this type of thing or is it just an annoyance?

[tblake]

Devinatly sounds like a strut load bearing plate issue.

The struts are not hard to get out. Two bolts at the knuckle, and three under the hood, and they slip out. Dissassembly of the strut is much more involved, which is why I usually just bring them to a nearby shop with the replacement parts and have them disassemble. My shop has a large on the wall spring compressor and can whip out both struts within 20 minutes and only charge 20 bucks for labor.

Make sure and go with delco load bearing plates if you decide to replace. Trust me, made that mistake once.

[dondeere]

Had this problem with a 2001 Malibu turned out to be a broken strut spring. Installed two quick struts.

[Festivus]

Thanks guys. Might check out the struts and mounts today.

Although I'm hesitant to take the advice of a guy with outspoken and questionable political views in his signature!

Seriously, though we differ elsewhere, thanks for the advice on the car. This thing keeps me far too busy in the garage. I'm hoping that this is the last part to fail for a while. It's almost like having a car payment.

[jenn_2001]

had same problem with my 2001 alero, replaced front and rear struts, noise gone

[tblake]

Originally Posted by Festivus

Although I'm hesitant to take the advice of a guy with outspoken and questionable political views in his signature!

Should have seen that coming. Sorry to hear that. Guess I'm done helping. Good luck!!

No but seriously. Sounds like a strut thats binding or a load plate. I've never been a fan of monroes though. They are the parts I used when I mentioned in my first post "made that mistake once".

[Festivus]

Found the problem! Got a broken spring, left front. The spring has uncompressed a bit and gotten bigger. So it rubs when the wheel is turned. I should have looked for this at the start.

I may just get a couple of complete strut assemblies and do both fronts. Due for it anyway.

Again, thanks for the help.