Front end creaking at low speed, Tie rod ends perhaps? Options

[S8S8]

Since the conversion I've picked up a strange creaking noise from the front end. It happens mainly at low speed, particularly when coming to a slow stop at the traffic lights.

I first noticed it when I had the exhaust fitted up. I thought it might have been something to do with the exhaust rubbing, but I took it back for the guy to have a look at and he reckons it's from dry tie rod ends. He claims that I probably couldn't hear it before because the engine was so loud (no exhaust at all!). He seems like a legit guy, so I don't think he's bullsh!tting me.

Has anyone else experienced this noise? I've done a few searches of the forums and see that tie rod ends do come up as a similar issue. I've gone through and checked all bolts and fittings and can't find anything loose that could be causing the noise.

Any other ideas?

Thanks

[Rusty]

worn shock maybe?

Do you remember if it was creaking before you swapped or when you were swapping, have the front jacked up for a while?

[S8S8]

worn shock maybe?

Do you remember if it was creaking before you swapped or when you were swapping, have the front jacked up for a while?

I don't think it's the shocks, it just doesn't feel or sound like it. The noise is new since the conversion, and the shocks are still the same.

The front was up on stands for a long time, but there was no weight on the shocks during that time.

The noise only happens at low speed, mainly when coming to a stop or turning. If I come to a stop at normal speed or faster I don't get the noise. I also don't get the noise by pushing the front of the car up and down.

It sounds like more of a metallic type of noise. I have no idea what it is!

I'm going to replace the tie rod ends anyway, and I'll probably be doing coilovers later this year. If I still have the noise after all that I won't be happy!

[Euphoria]

If it was after the conversion I'd be looking at what you changed, engine mounts, axles, brakes etc, I assume the engine mounts had all the rubber and you've double checked they're all tight?

Also could easily be brakes if its happening when you come to a stop, lubricate the sliding pins and put anti-noise stuff on the shims so everything is tight and then see how it is, I wouldn't think it'd be the tie rods, do they show any play? and how many km on the chassis?

This post has been edited by Euphoria: Jun 8, 2011 - 1:38 AM

[S8S8]

Eight months later and I can finally say that it was the tie rod ends causing the noise!

[RobbMeeX]

Congrats. I found out my fenders are missing the inner bolts causing that sort of noise on mine. Weird.

[BonzaiCelica]

guys from the alignment shop told me the left inner cv boot was torn. Is there any particular noise it makes? Im most certain the noise I'm hearing now is the fact that my sway bars (suspension technique) just need grease on the bushings....

[S8S8]

guys from the alignment shop told me the left inner cv boot was torn. Is there any particular noise it makes?

I'm no suspension expert, but I wouldn't have thought a torn boot would cause any noises. It would allow the grease to slowly escape though, so maybe the lack of lubrication on the CV joint could cause a noise?

Replacing the tie rod ends is one of the best things I've ever done to my car - not to mention the cheapest and easiest. Not only did it get rid of the noise, but the whole front end feels so much more solid now. Very happy.

[BonzaiCelica]

guys from the alignment shop told me the left inner cv boot was torn. Is there any particular noise it makes?

I'm no suspension expert, but I wouldn't have thought a torn boot would cause any noises. It would allow the grease to slowly escape though, so maybe the lack of lubrication on the CV joint could cause a noise?

Replacing the tie rod ends is one of the best things I've ever done to my car - not to mention the cheapest and easiest. Not only did it get rid of the noise, but the whole front end feels so much more solid now. Very happy.

ya my steering wheel is off and acts weird if a take a turn sharp. I'm doing a ss suspension swap in the next month!! or so I hope.