Creaking noises... When sitting still, Yes I've used the search and google, just want input. Options

[dabazied]

Ok guys. I've searched, but it hasn't narrowed the culprits really... Now that that's out of the way.....

Noticed the noise this afternoon when I was about to leave the house. Sitting still, if I turn the steering wheel, it groans/creaks, only on the passenger side. Don't notice anything while driving. I lifted her up and turned the wheels by hand. Not much of a noise in the air, but still faint. I wiggled top to bottom, no play. In and out, no play. Side to side, a very minute hair of play. I spun the tire and it made a light rub noise.

I know I have probably original suspension(i get creaks over speed bumps). I replaced both axles in early 08. So here's my list. Help me cut down or give me some ideas...

-power steering system(not likely, sounds mechanical)
-ball joint
-tie rod
-bushings
-wheel bearing
-struts(saw it online as a possibility but highly doubt it)
-part of the axle(doubt because I replaced those not that long ago)
-part of the steering linkage

Thanks for all the brainstorming help in advance guys.... And btw, it makes the noise while the car is on AND off when turning the wheels

[Euphoria]

Id say it would be shocks or strut mounts, bounce the car up and down on the spot to see if it creaks! and even if it doesn't and the shocks are well gone then It still could be that.

And you say its only when you turn on the spot which gets me thinking its probably not wheel bearings related but then you said it has minimal side to side play, It should have NONE and bearings can creak but thats generally when load is on them (the left wheel bearing is gone then you will hear it more on right hand corners) and when the wheels are in motion.

Id tick off power steering, axles.

and steering linkage would be tie rods which connect to the rack and its possible, same with ball joints only ball joints should only make noise when hitting a bump.

[AnaXyd]

I recently had this problem. It came when I changed struts and springs in the front.

I did the following:

- Aligned the top mount and the rest of the spring and dampener perfectly. Did apply som grease on the top mount to be 100% sure

Then I still got som strange sounds. Suddenly I saw that the caliper was a bit loose, so it was just to tighten the bolts. The sound 100% gone. After a while, I got a new sound from the same place, but this is the CV joints.


Good luck! Check these things first, and you may find the problem!