Creaking Noise From Front End When Turning...

[chiaxi2002]

Okay, here is the deal. When I am driving my car...whenever I start making a left turn I can hear a creaking/clicking noise. Is it a bad thing if I drive on it too long??? I'm thinking it might have something to do with the cv-joints, but just wanted to get some input from the cb7tuner pros to make sure I check every possible problem...

[mr_cb7]

I would check your ball joints along with the CV. A lot of the time it is just a ball joint that needs some greasing

[FamousFreak]

I would say its the CV's.
Im dealing with the same thing rite now, but probably a little worse.
If it is the cv's its easier to just get new axles.
Oh and it would be best to take care of this as soon as you can, just to be safe!

[4U2H8ME]

I would have to go with balljoint, or a bushing.

[Solus]

I gotta lean towards balljoint as well. Factory balljoints arent greasable via a grease fitting, BUT, I found a nifty doodad thatll still let you grease them.

LINK

[chiaxi2002]

I check my cv boots earlier today, but they didn't seem to have any leaks or tears so I'm leaning towards what everyone is saying...a ball joint that needs greasing. I'm not really an mechanic so could anyone show me a photo of the ball joints so I can try to grease them down?

I was also wondering it the springs could be the reason why it's making the clicking noise too. It's just a thought. Let me know what you guys think.

[adymeblack]

With the clicking I would go with a cv

[ben_cb7]

My friend is having almost the same problem with his new cb. he has the same symptoms however when u jounce the front end when its not moving it squeaks too. figured i am in the same ballpark here with the opening question so i hope thats ok.

[evil_demon_01]

The squeak will be a balljoint - Check the balljoints (3 each side) to check if the boots are ripped. If the boots are ripped water and dirt gets in causing them to wear. Replace them as required.
You can see more checks to do in my sig.
Have you tried jacking the car up and moving the wheels left to right to check exactly where the noise is coming from?

The clicking will be the CV's.

[chiaxi2002]

What does it mean when you feel for "play" when you are checking the control arms and ball joints...

[brooklynkid1986]

What does it mean when you feel for "play" when you are checking the control arms and ball joints...

Play means looseness or movement. BJ's should hold everything tightly in place. There should be no noticeable movement. "Control arms" in this situation are directing you to the upper ball joint.


Oh and if you bounce the front end when its not moving and u get a squeak, it could very easily be just dry bushings. Its not really a check for BJ's

[evil_demon_01]

What does it mean when you feel for "play" when you are checking the control arms and ball joints...

About 2mm or less you won't actually hear, but you will feel.
The definate way to determine this, is that you can usually feel "play"
Otherwise for example: With the outer tierod you can watch it when you wiggle the wheel.
If it has play you will be able to see the tierod stay still, while the steering knuckle moves - Note this gets harder to see if the play is smaller.
Anything above 1.5mm is very obvious, 1mm and below gets harder to pick up on (as to which joint has play)
I.e you may feel play when wiggling the wheel at the top and bottom, but you still need to look at the top and bottom balljoint to see which one has the play.
Same with the steering inner and outer tierods.

Play is the amount of wear (sloppiness) in the joint.