front end noise

[jomy1127]

Hi to everyone i have a 1998 buick regal gs i had replaced the rack and pinion on power steering pump all was fine but recently it started to make a kind of crackling sound when i turn the wheel left to wright i lifted up on the jack and it dont do it but when i put it on the floor it makes the noise its loud and hits hard i can feel it on the floor in the inside of the car i checked under neath of the car and theres nothing rubbing from the bottom of the car im really frustratyed and need some tips on wghat to check out thx in advance

[Will Help]

Sounds like the strut bearing is going out on you. It is mounted on top of the strut. With the car off the ground, the weight of the car is off of it and the only pressure is from the strut spring load.

Have someone turn the wheel while you put your hand on top of the strut tower under the hood. You will probably feel the bearings crunch.

I have seen these fail in less than 4 years. When struts are replaced, these should be replaced also or you wind up tearing it all out again. The same goes for when the bearing goes out. You might as well change the struts at the same time.