4.6L (1996-2004 Modular) Mustang Technical discussions on 1996-2004 4.6 Liter Modular Motors (2V and 4V) within.

Creaking noise while turning the wheel

Old Oct 2, 2009 | 08:37 PM
  #1  
landsteam's Avatar
landsteam
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Default Creaking noise while turning the wheel

I have a creaking noise when turning the steering wheel while standing still or going very slow. What could this be?
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 08:53 PM
  #2  
Rad Red 03's Avatar
Rad Red 03
 
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From: Nashville, TN
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I have the same problem with my 03 GT. Had it looked at and was told
that the steering rack bushings are made from aluminum and when they
wear out they creak like that. Just replace the steering rack mount bushings
with poly bushings and that should take care of the problem. Order the kit
from Late Model Resto or wherever you want and its not a hard DIY project.
Poly bushings are pretty cheap also.
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 09:45 PM
  #3  
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catch_15
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From: Lexington, KY
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99% sure it's one of your ball joints. mine has done the same thing 3 times...i keep getting the cheap ball joints and they keep going bad.
Old Oct 2, 2009 | 10:39 PM
  #4  
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Andy13186
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might also check your power steering fluid
Old Oct 3, 2009 | 01:58 AM
  #5  
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WhiteFoxGT
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From: Delaware
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Its most likely a "dry socket" condition with either the tie rod end or balljoint. I'd check the tie rod ends first (easier to fix)
Old Oct 3, 2009 | 03:18 AM
  #6  
0949er's Avatar
0949er
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Originally Posted by Rad Red 03
I have the same problem with my 03 GT. Had it looked at and was told
that the steering rack bushings are made from aluminum and when they
wear out they creak like that. Just replace the steering rack mount bushings
with poly bushings and that should take care of the problem. Order the kit
from Late Model Resto or wherever you want and its not a hard DIY project.
Poly bushings are pretty cheap also.
I second this. This fixed "most" of the squeaking in my 04.
Old Oct 3, 2009 | 07:38 AM
  #7  
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cliffyk
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It is likely this problem...
Old Oct 3, 2009 | 01:00 PM
  #8  
Blackened04's Avatar
Blackened04
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Posts: 105
From: WA
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You just need to shorten your gear tube brackets about by about 1/8" I believe they came too long from the factory. I had the same problem and by doing this it fixed the creaking noise. Hope this helps.
Old Oct 4, 2009 | 04:57 PM
  #9  
landsteam's Avatar
landsteam
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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 6
Default Update on creaking sound

I brought it to a couple of shops they said outer tie rod bushings are making the sound. Could the bushings quiet down by spraying them with a lube of some kind or is replacement the only way?
Old Oct 4, 2009 | 06:25 PM
  #10  
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cliffyk
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Originally Posted by landsteam
I brought it to a couple of shops they said outer tie rod bushings are making the sound. Could the bushings quiet down by spraying them with a lube of some kind or is replacement the only way?
They are very likely wrong, the steering rack tube bracket problem, and the fix I linked to above, is quite common...

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