Creaking suspension strut/steering?...

20th August 2012, 00:42

Hi all,

So last week I replaced my n/s drive-shaft as the gaiter had split and it went surprisingly well. But now there's another issue

and I know it's unrelated to the drive-shaft because its on the driver's side. Basically there's a continuous creaking sound whenever I turn the wheel, accentuated when turning to the right (but not for the full turn), and this same noise occurs when going over bumps, but the noise is only really noticeable at low speeds. Jacked the car up today as I redone the oil and filter and turned the wheels and the same noise is made when turning both ways. Since it was jacked up on both wheels I know it's not a noise caused by stress.

From what I have established I think it isn't the ball-joint at the end of the track rod on the strut, which is what I thought initially.

So, bearing at the top of the strut? Has it gone dry? Does it need replacing? Or is it the spring? And most importantly unless I sort it soon will anything break?

Sorry if this sounds a bit naff but I'm knackered and this is last thing before bed lol.

Cheers in advance all.

20th August 2012, 17:50

yeah try the top bearing sounds like mine, or i had this porblem and changed top bearing and it turned out to be the track rod ends were shot

20th August 2012, 21:41

Thanks for the reply. I've checked the top of the strut bearings out (under the bonnet) and in comparison to the n/s one it looks normal, do you think a bit of good ol' WD40 might sort it temporarily?

I'm not sure it is the track rod end ball-joints but I cant be sure.

Anyways, drove over 120 miles averaging 70mph today and all was well!