Tie rod end question

[Skidzz]

As I said in a previous post, I have a creaky door sound when I turn the steering wheel to the left. At first I wasn't sure if it was a tie rod end or the steering rack, but since I can't feel anything in the steering wheel, I'm going with tie rod end. Which is weird, because it's on the driver's side, and I just had the driver's side tie rod end changed not even a year ago. Anyway, I work full time and go to college full time and I haven't had a chance to have the car looked at. How bad for the car is it to continue driving it with this problem?

 

[Kilgore Trout]

Could be many things. Put the front up on jackstands and see if there is any play in the tire in any direction.

 

[Skidzz]

You mean play in the tire itself or in the wheel?

 

[Kilgore Trout]

The whole front wheel, grab onto it and see if it moves left-right, up-down, in-out when the weight is off it. Give it a couple spins and see if it grinds.

Could be hub bearing assembly, ball joints, tie rod ends, steering rack bushing, or something else.

 

[03ghoststang]

The whole front wheel, grab onto it and see if it moves left-right, up-down, in-out when the weight is off it. Give it a couple spins and see if it grinds.

Could be hub bearing assembly, ball joints, tie rod ends, steering rack bushing, or something else.

it could be a number of things like mentioned by kilgore

 

[Skidzz]

Ok, thanks. I'll check that on my day off sunday.

 

[Mike97gt]

the tie rod ends are the most common.

rack bushings you feel in the wheel so I don't think it's that.

also could be a ball joint.

 

[tomustang]

as stated before, it could be anything

bad door bracket roller, the dash squeeking..

 

[Skidzz]

Ok so I just put the car up on jack stands and had my brother turn the steering wheel left and right. I can't SEE anything wrong at all, and now I can just barely hear the creaking sound, and its so faint that I can't tell where it's coming from. I just know that it's coming from the drivers side. It's strange because sometimes when I'm driving, it is really loud, and then sometimes I can't hear it at all. It seems to be the loudest after I've driven the car for a while, and the quietest when it's cold. Anyone have any clue? If not, I guess it's going to the shop when I get a chance.

 

[Skidzz]

*bump