Weird steering noise...

[1.8T_WOT]

I'm getting a creaking/crunching sort of noise when I turn my steering wheel every 10 degrees or so (03 Jetta 1.8T). Noise is coming from the font end, not the steering column. Any thoughts?

[stefan]

Re: Weird steering noise...

lug nuts tight? Outer CV's will give a clicking/clunking of sorts when you turn if they are worn.

maybe im misunderstanding.. it makes the noise while you are turning? or turning the wheel makes the noise? Does it do it when you are not moving too?

[1.8T_WOT]

Re: Weird steering noise...

It makes the noise when I'm stationary and when I'm moving. Any time I turn the wheel.

[VAG_Tech]

Re: Weird steering noise...

I've seen dry tie rod end ball sockets make that noise. It's not common but it happens. Get it checked out.

[nismodrifter]

Re: Weird steering noise...

le strut bearings?

[Dubsport Inc]

Re: Weird steering noise...

What about sway bar end links... we have been replacing alot laately.
HTH
Richard

[stefan]

Re: Weird steering noise...

I've also heard of creaky tie rods, my moms minivan did this recently. If the sealed tie rod end is damaged, it would likely be visible, and greasy.

[1.8T_WOT]

Re: Weird steering noise...

Check up time I guess. I hope that it's not a CV... I'm sure that at 40K and a bazillion mods, any warranty work is out of the question.

[1.8T_WOT]

Re: Weird steering noise...

And the winner is... upper strut mounts. Not covered under warranty due to my aftermarket suspension. The dealership wants $450 to replace them!!! Fortuantely I can do the work myself. Where can I rent a spring compressor?

Is it unusual for both mounts to go at the same time? It coincided with my suspension upgrade. Poor installation? Is there something that I can do to help prevent the mounts from failing again?

[stefan]

Re: Weird steering noise...

i rented one from partsource. its free. (its not the greatest thought... i'd see if there are other suggestions)

[Stonewall]

Re: Weird steering noise...

Those mounts shouldn't be much more then $20 each but you do have to remove the shock to get at them so I can see where that price came from. You can wreck the plastic bearing that sits on the rubber mount is the top bolt is tightened down to much,which is more then likely all that happened and more then likley on the bearing needs replacing as I don't see those rubber mount failing for a long long time. I got a spriong compressor from crappy tire once and it worked great as it actually captured the spring so there was no way for it to slide off.

[1.8T_WOT]

Re: Weird steering noise...

So just to clarify, there's a mount, bearing and spring perch. Is there also a spacer in a stock 1.8T? Technically, I don't have to remove the strut. It all depends on how safe I want to be. I guess that with a rental tool, safer is probably the way to go.

[nismodrifter]

Re: Weird steering noise...

Get the strut tool from Canadian Tire. They give 72 hour rentals. Auto Value/Others are all like 24 hours and it's a pain in the buttocks if something comes up and you can't finish the job before the stupid thing is due back.