Steering creaking

[GordonL]

I have a 98 Metro. When I move the steering wheel it creaks. It sounds like the old GM problem when they had the defective rack and pinion. This only happens when it is warm weather. I noticed it last fall when it was still warm and the sound went away when it got cooler and did not come back until it got warmer in the spring. I found a discussion in the Suzuki forum where they said that it could be fixed by spraying lithium grease on the universal joints on the steering column rod and I tried this but the U joints are sealed and no grease gets into the joint. This does seem to be where the sound is coming from. Any thoughts on how to fix this other than turn the radio volume higher?

[91Caprice9c1]

Try to find out exactly where it's coming from. I have not encountered this problem with my metros. I'll look at some of my steering columns when I get to work today.

-MechanicMatt

[GordonL]

It seems to be coming from the U Joints but short or disassembling things it is difficult to pinpoint it exactly.

[RickMN]

Normally the only way to fix this is to replace the steering link. But, since this is a 98 and the part probably costs more than the car is worth, try this if you have a grease gun: Buy a needle injector adaptor for your grease gun. This is a fairly common tool used to reach into rear wheel drive U-joints to inject grease into the zerk fitting. Then, using a small size drill bit and a lot of patience, drill a small hole in the center of the U-joint caps. Then inject grease into the hole. If that solves the problem, you're home free. Seal the hole with RTV.

[GordonL]

Fixed it. I pulled down the rubber seals and sprayed in lithium grease with the tube on the pressurized can. It actually ended up being the tie rod ends. I was going to replace them but then I have to do alignment also.