Creaking steering

[Guest]

Hi
Whilst parking my 2000 'S' after a trip up the M3 I noticed an odd noise whilst turning the car. I can only describe it as a creaking noise and happens when I turn the steering wheel when the car is moving and stationary. It also happens when the engine is off so have ruled out the PAS system... I would be very grateful if anybody has experienced this or has any ideas what might be causing it. I am thinking worst case a worn steering rack but it was fine earlier in the day and I would be surprised for it to fail suddenly.

Thank you in advance for any advice you can offer.
Andy

 

[Robin M]

I would check any bushes etc. and see if they have dried out in the heat of the summer. Not familiar, although I should be as I have a Boxster S, as to which bushes are where but its cheaper to try this before looking to get a new rack....[]

 

[Guest]

Andy, going by your description, I have the same problem (albeit a 996).

Not worn rack I shouldn't imagine as I've had the creaking noise since about 5k miles; sometimes goes away for a while only to return again but I tend to ignore it together with one or two other creaks and squeaks!

Maybe somebody out there knows the culprit?

 

[lazza]

This is a common problem. We had it on our old Boxster. Nothing serious as I recall.

There was a thread on this before, perhaps our esteemed RS/moderator could dig it out? (Mark?)

Lazza

 

[jw2015]

I get a reasonably loud creaking when doing full lock while stationary, which I don't do very often. I hadn't really paid much attention to it as when you do this, the front end of the car moves an inch or two sideways as you apply the lock. I reckoned it was a faily natural noise to hear while the front end of your car moves slightly from side to side when it isn't moving forward or back. I'll be at the OPC for other minor problems soon so I'll demonstrate this feature to them and see what they say, oddly enough I'd never considered it a potential problem.

 

[Mark_Bennett]

Anyone can use the search facility you know - It's not my private tool [] I'd be delighted if people used it themselves []

Anyway, there is --> this thread <-- which references another (which seems to have disappeared?)

Worn/dry bush seems to be the cause in that instance

 

[Helen Goff]

but you do it so well mark[]

alternative is to buy a parrot and dress like this [][] http://www.piratesstore.com/costumes/piratescostumes_adult.php#1

 

[Guest]

Thank you all very much for your advice... fingers crossed it is relatively simple to fix. The car is due a service soon so I'll repost with GT One's diagnosis. I'll sleep better tonight without worrying so much about huge amounts of £££ for a new sterring rack!!

 

[Motorhead]

It's always tricky to find the source of such problems Duncan: steering column; the rack itself (mechanical or hydraulic); front suspension components.

If the steering wheel/column isn't fouling somewhere, I'd check the PAS fluid level and then start looking elsewhere if that isn't the source of the problem. The strut top bearings would be my next port of call, but this will require removal of the spring/strut assembly.

Jeff