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Creaking noise when turning right

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Old Oct 12, 2014 | 12:57 PM
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Default Creaking noise when turning right

So this showed up a little while ago. I just replaced both the front side axle u joints. Everytime I turn right it makes a Creaking sound. It feels like it's under the floor boards. Anybody know what it could be?
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Old Oct 12, 2014 | 01:18 PM
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If you feel it under the floor boards, it might be referred from the control arms (bushings) or sway bar/ bushings/links. Other thought (not under floorboard) would be wheel bearings.
It can be helpful to raise the front and have a look at the steering components with somebody turning the steering wheel stop to stop.

Last edited by Roler; Oct 13, 2014 at 04:05 AM. Reason: typos...
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Old Oct 12, 2014 | 02:41 PM
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Originally Posted by Roler
If you feel it under the floor boards, it might be referred from the control arms (bushings). Other thought (not under floorboard) would be wheel bearings.
It can be helpfull to raise the front and have a look at the steering components with somebody turning the steering wheel stop to stop.
Should I replace the whole arm or just the bushings?
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Old Oct 12, 2014 | 02:52 PM
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Originally Posted by mrkotabear
Should I replace the whole arm or just the bushings?
Have a look first before jumping into replacements. See if there is any play in the bushing (breakerbar helps with finding out). Also check if the centre of the bushing has moved backwards (should be in centre).

To answer your question: you can replace the bushings alone, which would be cheaper. But for a few $$ more, you can get the whole CA with the bushings in there. The lower CA's are a complete unit and can be installed pretty straight forward. The upper CA comes with only one bushing installed (the rear one). The upper CA bushing (front one) on the axle needs to be replaced separately.
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Old Oct 12, 2014 | 03:58 PM
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Before replacing parts, lubricate the sway bar bushings and link rubbers. Lube the control arm rubbers and see if it helps.

Use Liquid Wrench Silicone Spray, available a the big box stores, like Lowe's and Home Depot.
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Old Oct 12, 2014 | 05:34 PM
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Thanks Roler and CCKen. I'm having this exact same issue (creaking noise only on right turns), and I haven't had a chance to try to track it down yet. I appreciate the guidance on where to start.
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Old Oct 12, 2014 | 06:28 PM
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Just got some silicone spray let's see what it does
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Old Oct 12, 2014 | 07:06 PM
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Silicone helped a bit. Should I replace the bushings of the conteol arms?
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Old Oct 13, 2014 | 03:57 AM
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Originally Posted by mrkotabear
Silicone helped a bit. Should I replace the bushings of the conteol arms?
See post #4. If that is the case and if bushes are worn, cracked or have play, they need to be replaced.
Lets ****-yse the lubing that "helpt a bit":
1) you did not lube enough
2) the parts are worn beyond the point that lubing can mask it
3) The lubed parts were not causing the issue in the first place

Do a visual and manual check on all the parts involved in suspension and steering that you can get to and you will likely find the cause yourself.
Lubing things is nice to not hear the annoying 'creaking' sounds while you drive to the part store to get your replacements

Last edited by Roler; Oct 13, 2014 at 04:16 AM.
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Old Oct 13, 2014 | 10:24 AM
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Originally Posted by Roler
See post #4. If that is the case and if bushes are worn, cracked or have play, they need to be replaced.
Lets ****-yse the lubing that "helpt a bit":
1) you did not lube enough
2) the parts are worn beyond the point that lubing can mask it
3) The lubed parts were not causing the issue in the first place

Do a visual and manual check on all the parts involved in suspension and steering that you can get to and you will likely find the cause yourself.
Lubing things is nice to not hear the annoying 'creaking' sounds while you drive to the part store to get your replacements
Thank you so much for your guys's help!! I don't know much about cars hahah. I'm trying to learn! Thank you again
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