I have a creaking noise coming from the front end. It seems to only happen while turning the wheel back and forth but I notice is more when turning to the left. The sound is louder on the driver side but once in awhile it sounds like a single ting come from the other side. I pulled the car into the garage and jacked it up. With the key in the accessory position I was able to move the wheels side to side. When doing this with the car jacked up the noise was pretty much non existent. I would hear slight creaking here and there but nothing really consistent. It also seemed to happen more so on the passenger side now.

I got the wheels into a position that i could slightly hear something and pushed on it and sounded like it was coming from around the strut. Eventually I was able to determine that I could make the sound go away if I put my hand on the sway bar link connection to the strut. I also noticed the outer tie rod on the driver side would hit the link when fully turned to the right. At this point I assumed it must be the links going bad. I was still on stock and the car has been lowered 2". I decided to replace them with a set of MOOG designed for the SS. They are beefier and about 2" shorter to compensate for the SS being lower from the factory.

I got everything put back together and while still jacked up I moved the wheels from side to side. I did not hear any creaking and I had gained the clearance needed on the driver side. I put the car back on the ground and start backing it out. Almost immediately I hear the creaking again. Whatever is causing the noise only seems to do it under load. I have also noticed a slight vibration in the steering wheel around 75 mph. Anyone have any ideas? Click on the pic below to view a video I took today of the noise

 

Can you feel it in the steering wheel if you move it back and forth? If so it's the steering column.

 

I don't recall if the steering wheel shutters or not when the noise happens. Ill have to keep a closer eye on it and report back. I do know for sure tho the wheel shutters or has vibration at around 75 mph.

 

Sounds like you have an axle failing. Only getting the shaking when on the throttle?

 

I paid attention to the things you guys asked while driving it this morning. I do not feel anything in the steering wheel when the noise is occurring. The steering wheel feels completely normal and turns smooth. When at highway speeds the steering wheel will shake regardless of if the gas is being pressed or not. I also noticed that when i notice the vibration in the wheel there is also a stronger vibration in the pedal

 

While running out for lunch today I noticed something else. The noise does not exist or is less when the brakes are being pressed while I turn. I am wondering if there is a possibility that the guide bolts or pad clips are causing the noise?

 

That was my thought. Axles tend to go when u are lowered

 

Do you have the noise at all speeds, or just when slow/ stopped? I had a large creaking noise when the car was sitting and at low speeds when turning. Everything seemed fine, turned out my steering rack bolts were loose and the rack was sliding back and forth.

 

I only really notice it at low speeds and while sitting still but then again I am usually going fast while turning. Ill have to try it out tonight possibly on the way home just to see. Ill also see about getting under there and checking the rack bolts

 

Sounds like a possible warped rotor then. If it's badly warped it can push the pads in and out and make noise from the shims.

 

Its definitely not bad warped rotors. I just did the brakes a couple days ago. I had my fiancee turn the wheel while I looked that the steering rack when I got home. I did notice that the rack moves slightly at time. Not sure if its suppose to have any play or not. I was able to see it more when she made quick back and forth movements. The steering wheel also got tight after moving the wheel back and forth for a couple minutes. She had to turn the car off and back on to get it to perform normally again. I have not physically checked the bolt yet as I didn't have time to jack it up tonight.

 

Iv had that happen when I started driving, ur vc joint on axle is going

 

based on your description i'm not sure if this is it, but my sway bar bushings make a creaking noise when turning sometimes. it took me FOREVER to figure this out, but maybe something you can check quickly to see if that's your issue. i sprayed a little PB blaster on them when i was trying to track down the noise and it went away almost instantly.

i'm sure the blaster is not the best long term solution, but you can rule this out at least.

good luck, or just get some earplugs and boom, sound's gone ha

 

^^^This is what i would presume as well.

Here is what we are talking about>>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66rd30DSoh0


Check the cv boots for being loose by the clamps or crack or tears.

I can't fully remember correctly maybe someone can verify... If you crank your steering wheel to the left and do a full circle ...and the samething to the right ...If the clicking happens when your doing the circle that is the cv that needs replacing and you should be able to determine the side too.

Here is a video of what i was saying..(See how he does a full circle to the right and you can hear it clicking)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0pEp3yVS4o


hope this helps and keep us posted.

 

I replaced the cv axle last weekend and everything seemed to be good, or so I thought. It looks like the new axle may also be having some issues. After a couple of days of driving I have noticed that some sounds have returned. Sometimes I get the cracking sounds like before but not nearly as bad and mostly only when moving. I now notice more of a clunk when jerking the wheel back and forth kinda fast and sometime when first hitting the gas or brake. I'm wondering if I got a defective axle or if possibly something else is loose.

 

Rack and pinion maybe?

 

Are you sure the wheel is moving back and forth? That's a lot of movement can you physically see it moving?

Get a pry bar and start put some pressure on your bushing and tie rods and all that and see if you can replicate the noise you are hearing ??

 

Confirmed axle is bad. Got home tonight to find that the outboard jOint boot came apart and flung grease everywhere. Guess ill be replacing it again. This time under warranty lol