‘Creaking’ noise in front - what is it?

[rodthrower]

SID (Search Is Down) post -

I seem to recall others complaining of noises coming from the front of their cars. Some have described a ‘clunk’, others a ‘creak’. Mine is a definite creak - especially noticeable at parking lot speeds when turning the wheel.

Who else has had this? And what is the fix? Is it something the dealer should be able to fix, or is it something that I can correct myself with aftermarket parts?

 

[Snake_Eyes]

I took mine to the dealer twice for this. The replaced the tie rods.

 

[ChicagoMike]

Creaky steering. Comes and goes depending on the weather. The people that had things done under warranty - the creak comes back. Buy an 05 mustang or live with it or you can lube the bushings yourself every couple months .. don't know how to do it though

 

[TXRDRNR]

Bushings, just had mine replaced for the same damn sound.

 

[hpbyhermann]

believe this or not...it's the steering rack mounting bushings...

replaced dozens of these with urethane maximum motorsport rack bushing to eliminate the creaking and groaning...hermann:beer:

 

[Mr. Freeze]

is this noise a sign of something going bad ??

 

[Orange Poison]

Originally posted by Mr. Freeze
is this noise a sign of something going bad ??

This is a good question I'd like to know too. I'm cool about living with it. Fug it, it beats turning your car over to those grubby hands at the dealership so they can fug something else up.

 

[Billy Pilgram]

If it's the creaking noise when you move the wheels back and forth it's probably the bushings. If you have someone spin the steering wheel back and forth while you watch the steering rack you can see the whole thing move. I replaced my bushings with the aluminum ones from MM and have never been happier. Gave the car a nice solid feel, with minimal feedback through the wheel. I don't know if the polys would be the same but assume it would be similar. Definitely a worthwhile mod. Simple to do yourself (fighting the steering coupling can be a bear though) and at least with the aluminum ones you should have it re-aligned as it moves the rack right up against the K-member.

 

[PDubs]

It is the bushings. Tack weld or replace with stronger ones as previously mentioned.

 

[smokin03cobra]

typical ford mine just started last week ready to burn the bitch

 

[cgg074]

I had this issue since the first month.

Had the Rack & Pinion bushings replaced by the dealer. It was GREAT for a month or so.

Now it's back, and I believe that a little bit louder.

It's very annoying.

I know there have been a lot of Cobras with this issue. But D@MN Search is ALWAYS down!!!!

So replacing it with polyurethane bushings or aluminum bushings will definitely solve this squeak??

It's a tough installation or an easy one?
I want to take it to another place other than the dealer.

 

[03cobraguy]

i had same problem sounded like squeak took it to ford they replaced the tie rod ends and gave me a four wheel alignment all under warranty

 

[cgg074]

Are these the correct parts?

1) Urethane Steering Rack Bushing Set - 6-703-BL

Do you need only a set? or two sets?

2)MM Aluminum Rack Bushings - MMST-3

Will the Urethane do the trick?

 

[cgg074]

Steeda also provides the Urethane bushings

Steeda Urethane Steering Rack Bushings

 

[Jimmysidecarr]

Mine started after my 1st auto cross...
It was the rack bushings...
Linc/Merc dealer I work at lubed the bushings.....noise gone!
It's been 2 months now........still quiet.
Just did an open track event with lots of heavy steering loads......
Still quiet...
I may look into the M.M. bushings though for the better feel.
Probably urethane..... since the K member is stock.
Jimmy:thumbsup:

 

[cgg074]

Which one do you guys prefer?

Steeda or MM bushings?

 

[03 DSG Snake]

Originally posted by cgg074
Which one do you guys prefer?

Steeda or MM bushings?

Or poly or alum for that matter? Steeda and MM make both :shrug:

 

[B-O-B'03]

Just got mine out of the shop, they replaced the rack bushings (second time , car has less than 20k miles)

Might have to look into different bushings, after the warranty runs out.

-Brian

 

[KDog]

I have it too. I did an oil change today and hit the grease points to see if it makes a difference.

 

[cobra4ever]

I have the Steeda bushing and about a month ago my steering started to creak like a mother (intermittantly) The bushings are all tight - who knows what it could be.