Steering Creaking

[zayd55]

I am getting this annoying creaking in my steering wheel whenever I execute any turns. I had all the front bushes and joints sprayed up with WD40 but the noise is still present. Anyone have an idea of what the problem might be.

I am getting the real ball joints changed at an Independent in High Wycombe next week so will ask him to look at.

[billB]

Zayd55
Idler Arm bushings (Rubber coated with metal jackets) sometimes get worn out and at other times they seize and ultimately give you this creaking sound. Have your independent take a look at them....let us know....good luck


regards
billb

[zayd55]

Originally posted by billB@May 20 2005, 02:42 PM
Zayd55
Idler Arm bushings (Rubber coated with metal jackets) sometimes get worn out and at other times they seize and ultimately give you this creaking sound. Have your independent take a look at them....let us know....good luck


regards
billb

[snapback]346491[/snapback]

Is there another name for these Idler arm bushings as I have had all the upper and lower track control arms changed along with the front anti-roll bar link arms. Thanks for your advice Bill.

[Dustin540-6]

Are you using polyurethane bushings? They tend to be noisy.

[sp0rky]

There aren't too many other names for the idler arm bushing.
The idler arm isn't a suspension arm. It is the arm that connects the box to the center tie rod. When that bushing wears or the balljoin seizes, it often makes noise. It would be heard outside the car, though.

Its a cheap arm, so if you find that to be the culprit, don't rebush it, just get a whole new arm (~$30) + labor.

[billB]

Originally posted by zayd55+May 21 2005, 10:31 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(zayd55 @ May 21 2005, 10:31 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-billB@May 20 2005, 02:42 PM
Zayd55
Idler Arm bushings (Rubber coated with metal jackets) sometimes get worn out and at other times they seize and ultimately give you this creaking sound. Have your independent take a look at them....let us know....good luck


regards
billb

[snapback]346491[/snapback]

Is there another name for these Idler arm bushings as I have had all the upper and lower track control arms changed along with the front anti-roll bar link arms. Thanks for your advice Bill.

[snapback]346652[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

Zayd a picture or 1000 words? here is how the idler arm bushing looks like hoping it helps..

[attachmentid=22033]

regards
billb

[zayd55]

Thanks for that, hope you did not have to remove it from your vehicle for the photo though!

[billB]

Originally posted by zayd55@May 21 2005, 03:41 PM
Thanks for that, hope you did not have to remove it from your vehicle for the photo though!

[snapback]346704[/snapback]

It won't happen........but removed it outa the hard drive for good!

[screwdriver]

ive exactly the same problem on e39 535 sport ,which is getting worse when wet no noise when dry and warm gets noisy after about 30 miles of enthusiastic driving but only at low speed creaking in straight line worse when steering but no vibration thats noticable , but when vehicle allowed to creep foward and brakes repeatedly pressed nocking heard any ideas

[zayd55]

Originally posted by screwdriver@May 29 2005, 01:58 PM
ive exactly the same problem on e39 535 sport ,which is getting worse when wet no noise when dry and warm gets noisy after about 30 miles of enthusiastic driving but only at low speed creaking in straight line worse when steering but no vibration thats noticable , but when vehicle allowed to creep foward and brakes repeatedly pressed nocking heard any ideas

[snapback]348694[/snapback]

I got it sorted. The creaking was linked to the suspension top mounts which I had to have replaced and was causing me some OSF knocking when going over bumps in the road. The mechanic stated that the steering noise was coming from the shock top as it rotates with the wheel turns and therfore will inevitably cause some creaking.

Its one of many avenues you can all pursue if you are having similar dificulty. My avenues included changing;
OSF upper and lower track control arms,
NSF lower track control arm,
Front anti roll bar link arms.

[screwdriver]

replaced wheel bearing driver side notchy and noisy when rotated but noise still there but only appears at low speed ,under 10mph and only in straight line when tapping brake pedal or turning right, when turning left even on full lock all quiet