Steering making creeking noise

[ng4xjs]

Flummoxed best describes this one. My steering has begun to present a "creaking, groining" when being turned. Maybe extra hot today (doubt it). It's not fluid or pump related. I'm guessing the up on the steering Column but has anyone else come across such a thing?

Nick

[davidr]

My V12 does it occasionally. I've come to accept it as one of the idiosyncrasies of an old lady!!
I've no doubt that there's a slightly worn or dry bush somewhere in the steering column but it doesn't bother me that much.
However, if you find an easy fix let me know!!

[ng4xjs]

Will do David - May just be it's been so hot last few days
I only noticed after replacing a front outer wheel bearing earlier today. In no way connected, but just a coincidence perhaps.

Nick

[PaulGover]

Nick,
I assume you say it's not pump-related 'cos it's there when the motor's not running (otherwise I'd suggest a low fluid level causing air in the system). Actually, it could still be air in the system, as turning the wheel pumps fluid (and air, if any) from the rack around the system.

If it is down to the column, it might be the knuckle joint; it suffers from a lot of exhaust pipe heat (particularly if the heat shield is missing). Mine seized solid, causing a "bump" on turning lock to lock, though no noise. It's an integral part of the lower steering shaft, and AFAIK it's no longer available. If it is the problem, you might find one in a breaker's yard, otherwise kit-car component suppliers sell knuckle joints that could be welded on as a replacement, provided you know a really good welder. (The thought of a bad weld breaking at speed ...)

Other possibilities include virtually every front suspension bush, as turning the wheel will cause small changes in position in most of them, starting obviously with track rod ends and anti-roll bar bushes.

[Architective]

I had this groaning noise from my power steering but I topped up the power steering fluid and it stopped immediately. Unfortunately the reason why it was low is because I have a leak from the power steering system so I will now have to get this sorted.