Creaking Steering

[Matt's 03 GT]

Hi guys:

I have a problem with popping and creaking coming from my steering at slow speeds. I expect this is a problem with the rack bushings? Is there something to do other than R&R the bushings? also, are there any tricks to doing this in the driveway?

Also, at full lock I get a louder clunk that concerns me. Do these cars historically have problems with tie rods?

Thanks

 

[FivePointStang]

Sounds like your ball joints to me. This happened to my 94 at about 70K. When I turned into parking lots it sounded horrible like a giant boat creeking. Couple weeks later they gave out and my wheels ended up in my wheelwell.

 

[Matt's 03 GT]

Ball joints at 70K miles I can understand, but I am still under 40K and have stock suspension and wheels. How do I test the ball joints?

 

[Rickey_Bobby]

Sounds like ball joint.
Jack car up and wiggle wheels check for play. if no play, problem could be from lack of grease.
Only real way to check is by replacing the balljoint with a new GREASABLE one.

 

[fast97gt]

no i dont think its your ball joints its most likely your tie rod ends you can replace them and have the it realigned or a quick fix that will last a while is get some white lithium grease in an aresol can and heres what you do make a small slitt in the boot and spray the grease into the slitt do both sides turn your wheels left to right several times, repeat if not completely gone good luck

 

[04YELLOWGT]

Id say its your ball joints too. I had this problem when I got mine and it had onlt 8k miles on it. I took it to Ford and they fixed the say day.