Creeking noise is steering.

[Smokeurhonda]

At a dead stop or parking lot speeds every time I turn the wheel I get a loud creeking noise from the right front of the car. I can turn it any amount either direction and every time it makes this noise. I'm thinking either the rack or ball joints. Anybody have similar problems?

 

[98COBRA281]

i had the same prob, its the tie rods, i had the nongreasable ones and they creaked so loud it was embarassing

 

[rabidscoobie]

I also have the exact same prob,I did what a few have mentioned about spraying lithium grease in the boots but that didnt help at all.Somaybe not the tie rods?

 

[GettinThere]

At a dead stop or parking lot speeds every time I turn the wheel I get a loud creeking noise from the right front of the car. I can turn it any amount either direction and every time it makes this noise. I'm thinking either the rack or ball joints. Anybody have similar problems?

Similar? I have the exact same problem. If I'm just barely rolling, and slightly turn the wheel back and forth, it squeeks/squeals pretty loud. It's been doing this for some time.

I've been following the threads here about this problem, and the consensus is that it's the tie rod ends. In the past I've sprayed them with silicon grease and the sound goes away for awhile, but of course comes back. I'm about to replace them.

 

[Kelso Gringo]

Yep. I just had my tie rods replaced. It made the awful squeak when turning the wheel, especially at a stop or slow speeds. The shop I went to said my factory ones were non-lube but the new ones can be lubed so they should last longer.
Luckily, fairly inexpensive fix in the grand scheme.

 

[Smokeurhonda]

Bumpsteer kit replaces the tierod ends right?

 

[Brute03]

my creaking was coming from the rack bushings, there was a TSB out on it that called for the replacement of the two tubes things... i forget what they're called exactly

 

[poindexternasty]

I am at my wits end trying to solve the same problem. So far I have replaced:

Shocks
Struts
Tie Rod Ends
Ball Joints
Steering Rack Bushings
Steering Rack Gear Tubes
Sway Bar Bushings & End Links


Next:

A-Arms
CC Plates
Coil Springs

I know that the springs have nothing to do with this sound, or at least they shouldn't. When the car is backed up out of the driveway from a slight incline, I see the struts shift around in their towers and then the noise happens.

Why would the struts be shifting in their towers? Perhaps when I did the strut job I didn't properly torque them down? It should be noted that this noise was happening BEFORE I did the strut job as well. The strut job was supposed to cure this. It didn't.

 

[AdRock]

my creaking was coming from the rack bushings, there was a TSB out on it that called for the replacement of the two tubes things... i forget what they're called exactly

Here's the TSB you speak of

TSB 05-14-3

07/25/05

SQUEAK/CREAK NOISE FROM STEERING RACK
WHEN TURNING

FORD:
2002-2004 Mustang

This article supersedes TSB 04-24-8 to update the Action.

ISSUE
Some 2002-2004 Mustang vehicles may exhibit a squeak or creak type noise when turning.

ACTION
Replace both power steering gear tube brackets.
Refer to Workshop Manual Section 211-02 Steering Gear Mounting. Tighten the steering gear mounting fasteners to 52 lb-ft (70 N.m).







Parts Block

WARRANTY STATUS: Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME

051403A 2002-2004 Mustang 0.8 Hr.
Replace Power Steering
Gear Tube Bracket (Do not
use with 3504A)

DEALER CODING
CONDITION
BASIC PART NO. CODE
3K620 16

 

[poindexternasty]

I performed the repairs per this TSB, no help. I am losing my mind over this.

 

[SVT32VDOHC]

I vote for ball joints. I had a creaky one in my F150. I thought it was the tie rods, but I took them off, and they were fine. I took the spindle off, and the ball joint was shot. It almost fell out.

 

[poindexternasty]

Ok so I just ordered some Cobra contol arms to try to cure this problem. Has anyone tried replacing the A-arms to remedy this sound?

 

[poindexternasty]

Has ANYONE successfully cured this problem?