Creaking steering..

rich_g85 · 30 Dec 2010 at 12:24

Hi all,
My car has developed a creaking/cracking sound when turning the steering wheel in either direction. This happens both when the engine is running or stopped, the PAS fluid level is correct.

The car also wanders off to the left quite noticeably if you allow it to. The tracking was corrected recently.

Car is a 2000/W Mondeo ST24.

What is likely to be wrong?!

Thanks,
Rich

lawz · 30 Dec 2010 at 13:01

On my car it was worn suspension bushes/lower ball joint. Could be the same on yours?

Lopéz · 30 Dec 2010 at 13:09

Where are the cracking/creaking noises coming from? In the cabin, from the steering shroud, further down the column, in the engine bay?

rich_g85 · 30 Dec 2010 at 13:11

Further investigation required here.. I'll post back shortly

burns · 30 Dec 2010 at 13:12

My clio did that when the bearings in the top mounts went.

Janesy B · 30 Dec 2010 at 13:13

Does it creak when going over speedbumps as well?

rich_g85 · 30 Dec 2010 at 13:29

Ok, the noise seems to come from down by the front right wheel. My arms aren't long enough to turn the steering and listen though!

I took a quick video which shows the creak quite well. I'm turning the steering first to the right, then back to the left with the engine off.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCD-DIfGC3s

Lopéz · 30 Dec 2010 at 14:13

Hmm, it's hard to tell without seeing the car but the first thing I'd look at would be a broken spring.

Dappy · 30 Dec 2010 at 19:20

I had this on my Focus, turned out to be the suspension top mount bearings.