Steering Noise
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 381
From: SC
Steering Noise
I have a creaking/popping noise that I believe is coming from either the steering shaft or steering rack.
There is absolutely no noise when cold, but once hot I get loud creaking and popping during slow turning. The noise occurs during the first 20 degrees or so of steering travel in either direction from center, and stops past that. To my ear it sounds more like a rubbery noise than metal but I could be wrong. I tried spraying silicone spray on the rubber piece where the shaft connects to the steering rack and didn’t notice any change. I’ve noticed no play/looseness in the steering, and the car was recently aligned and tracks straight.
Any ideas on what specifically may be causing the problem before I just start replacing things? If it is the shaft and not the rack can that be replaced without removing the steering rack? I’ve searched the forum and haven’t really found any answers so far.
FYI shocks and sway bar + bushings/links are new and I‘ve soaked ball joints, control arm bushings and leaf spring bushings with silicone lubricant since I’ve seen those as suggestions in other threads about steering noise. No change in noise from any of that.
There is absolutely no noise when cold, but once hot I get loud creaking and popping during slow turning. The noise occurs during the first 20 degrees or so of steering travel in either direction from center, and stops past that. To my ear it sounds more like a rubbery noise than metal but I could be wrong. I tried spraying silicone spray on the rubber piece where the shaft connects to the steering rack and didn’t notice any change. I’ve noticed no play/looseness in the steering, and the car was recently aligned and tracks straight.
Any ideas on what specifically may be causing the problem before I just start replacing things? If it is the shaft and not the rack can that be replaced without removing the steering rack? I’ve searched the forum and haven’t really found any answers so far.
FYI shocks and sway bar + bushings/links are new and I‘ve soaked ball joints, control arm bushings and leaf spring bushings with silicone lubricant since I’ve seen those as suggestions in other threads about steering noise. No change in noise from any of that.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 381
From: SC
Guess I’m just going to replace the rack and see if that fixes it. Any recommendations on where to buy/ who to avoid?
To my knowledge the only options are used or remanufactured, nothing new, is that correct?
Anything else I should replace while I’m down there? Balancer has already been replaced.
To my knowledge the only options are used or remanufactured, nothing new, is that correct?
Anything else I should replace while I’m down there? Balancer has already been replaced.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 627
Likes: 181
From: west coast of Canada
Found this in a list of tips
Squeaky steering wheel
When you turn the steering wheel, you may hear a squeak. It's just the plastic surfaces rubbing against each other. A shot of lubricant fixes this.
Squeaky steering wheel
When you turn the steering wheel, you may hear a squeak. It's just the plastic surfaces rubbing against each other. A shot of lubricant fixes this.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 381
From: SC
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 24
Likes: 18
If you are sure its the rack, send yours to TurnOne for a rebuild. You might consider doing the pump at the same time. If you are dropping the front cradle to get to the rack, check your engine mounts.
Most importantly, don't let the steering wheel turn while you have the rack off!
Most importantly, don't let the steering wheel turn while you have the rack off!
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. All new but worth a try, check the sway bars and links for correct torque. My rear sway bar popped and clunked. The clamp nuts and bolts were loose.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 381
From: SC
Racer
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 420
Likes: 13
From: West Deptford NJ
What is the condition of the bumpers on the front lowering bolts? If the bolts are bent or the bumpers are binding this can create the sound you are describing.
Maybe inspect, clean, and lubricate. I have heard poly bushing grease works well.
Maybe inspect, clean, and lubricate. I have heard poly bushing grease works well.
Last edited by jlaw1313@comcast.net; Dec 28, 2020 at 02:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 1,266
Likes: 381
From: SC
If it were the leaf spring bumpers I wouldn’t think they’d be very affected by whether the engine was warm or not. Also no noises going over bumps. That’s why I believe it’s the bushing at the top of the steering rack, since it’s right there near the exhaust. No noise at all when the engine is cold, but once it’s hot it’ll drive you crazy
