Steering knock/creak

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 04 May 2009, 23:20

Just a quick one...

Anybody have any experience with a kind of knocking/creaking noise coming from the steering wheel/rack?

It only appears to be when turning the wheel to the right and when it gets to a certain point. It's like something isn't greased properly or something is rubbing. I cannot explain it very well.

Am just concerned as since its started I swear the car doesn't feel right. Seems too harsh, knocks on bumps and when coming out of junctions with the wheel turned sometimes it feels like something is vibrating.

Any ideas before I start to investigate?

citroenxm · Post by **citroenxm** » 05 May 2009, 12:35

Rack mounting bolts loose????? Had this on a BX DERV once, thought the rack was buggered, then discovered the bolts were loose, tightened them and all seem better..

I however, have not experianced bolts commin loose on the xantia though...

Paul

Post by **Peter.N.** » 05 May 2009, 14:19

...or could be a CV joint failing.

VertVega · Post by **VertVega** » 05 May 2009, 15:37

I would guess it could be CV joint. Those unusual clicking noise while turning almost always indicates a worn or damaged outer CV joint.
You can test it by driving slowing in a circle. Than the same test drive in reverse. Keep steering wheel constant (turned to right in your case).

Xsarahdi · Post by **Xsarahdi** » 05 May 2009, 19:44

Our ZX makes a creaking/knocking/rubbing noise while going around right hand turns and knocks while going over bumps aswell just as you have said yours does Toby. It has been doing it for over a year now and started just after we had a new exhaust and new front right hand tyre. I have just tried to ignore it but it is very annoying making a loud noise nearly every time you turn right

. I haven't bothered to do anything about it yet so it will be interesting what people think it is.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 05 May 2009, 20:10

As far as I'm aware there is no clicking on full lock. I will have another listen tomorrow.

It only does it when the wheel is turned to the right and it gets to a certain position.

I do hope its not the CV joint

VertVega · Post by **VertVega** » 05 May 2009, 20:48

Try to find a smooth surface (parking area) and get that noise by turning the steering while driving in a circle. Then keep the steering position same and reverse drive. If the noise gets even louder than it's definitely the outer CV joint.

At the moment I have the single "clonk" sound effect which is heard rarely while accelerating from traffic lights. That's from the inner CV joint

That's very seldom and I didn't do anything about it yet.

Post by **Peter.N.** » 05 May 2009, 21:04

CV joint isn't a big job - could be a lot worse!

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 05 May 2009, 21:23

Ok, just been out and investigated. There is no clicking on full lock that I can hear.

It's more like a groaning/creaking as the wheel is turned, at first I though it was coming from the steering boss but I fear it may actually be coming from the rack. As I say, almost like something is running dry.

Any further ideas?

Post by **Peter.N.** » 05 May 2009, 21:28

Its not your hydraulic pump belt slipping is it? Does it do it without the engine running?

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 05 May 2009, 21:37

Don't think so.

Without teh engine running, very slightly, barely noticeable. As soon as the engine is running it starts to do it. Only when the wheel is turned right and at a certain point, as it comes round to the straight ahead point. Seems to possibly be coming from the U-joint under the car? Could be wrong. I can't seem to pinpoint it exactly

Post by **Peter.N.** » 05 May 2009, 21:44

Mmm, does it only do it while you are actually turning the wheel or does it still do it while holding the wheel in that position?

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 05 May 2009, 21:46

Only when turning the wheel. And only when turning it to the right. Pretty sure it doesn't occur when turning to the left

Thanks

Post by **Peter.N.** » 05 May 2009, 23:06

Louder with the engine running suggests that the increased pressure of the PAS is agravating it. Could be the ball joint on either of the track rod on that side. The only real way to find it is to listen under the car while someone turns the wheel for you.

Toby_HDi · Post by **Toby_HDi** » 06 May 2009, 11:14

I've done this but still cannot pinpoint the exact area. My ears are pretty useless

Is it likely to be that or could it be something else? How easy would it be to replace?