db9 cracking noise from steering

[craig e]

Anybody had this?, only occurs whilst doing 3 point turn type manoeuvres going lock to lock on smooth surface, a really loud crack from front suspension / steering whilst wheel being turned.
2005 db9 done 26,000 miles the noise started at 16,000 miles , i have had it on ramps at work and swung from / pryed everything, cant find it.
grateful for any advice,
thanks

[BamfordMike]

This occurs on many cars. I wouldn't worry.

if what you have is same, is dry joint normally bottom wishbone. No amount of levering will reveal. Doesn't result in any detriment or fail mot or safety issue

if you do try and remove to replace the arm which is cheap (£160 ish) be prepared for insert to pull out of upright and this part too require renewal

[craig e]

thankyou mike,

[clarky5150]

Hi Mike, sorry to hijack this thread but I have a similar problem on my vantage which then developed into a crack/creak when turning steering whilst travelling. Almost like brittle plastic clicking together.
Does this sound like the same ball joint problem?

[BamfordMike]

clarky5150 said:

Hi Mike, sorry to hijack this thread but I have a similar problem on my vantage which then developed into a crack/creak when turning steering whilst travelling. Almost like brittle plastic clicking together.
Does this sound like the same ball joint problem?

it could well be.

'Jessica' was doing the same and annoyed Ben (pommehogster) to point of him having to eliminate the sound.
no amount of ramp based levering would reveal where problem was.
Process of elimination and sods law being the last thing we changed, it was bottom wishbone arm. The joint with upright was source of creak / a corroded dry joint

slightly different though, if a bit of lock was cranked on and kept constant whilst accelerating, say 2 metres forward, the noise could be heard without applying anymore steering.

if suspecting rack, i would question if the geo / trye wear is correct, does the steering wheel centre ok after an input without feeling floppy, and is there a different force needed left to right input when on the move?

[clarky5150]

Everything feels as it should. The initial creak/crack started identically to the original posters, only at full lock. The noise sounds as though a rigid piece of plastic is attached to the steering colum and as you apply lock it click/cracks. This is now noticeable with adjustment of steering and not just full lock. It almost disappears when going uphill and appears exaggerated downhill on the brakes. It actually started after the car was stood on stands for 2 weeks waiting for parts for a clutch/ master cylinder repair.

[clarky5150]

HOORAY! Annoying noise cured.
I peeled one of the lower wish one ball joint seals back and found it clean,shiny and full of clean grease so was happy it wasn't a dry ball joint.
Next step was to slacken off the 18mm nut which secures the wishbone ball joint to the hub carrier ( bottom of the carrier ) and with the nut still on the threads to avoid damaging them plus a few 4pound lump hammer tickles on the carrier I carefully persuaded the ball joint 3/4 of the way out. This reveals a shim on the ball joint neck which fits into a tapered hole in the hub carrier. Doused this with wd40 motorbike chain lube and then doused with white spray grease. Re tightened and doused all the other wishbone bolts, bushes, track rod ends, arbs with lube and replaced the wheels.
Done both sides, test drive.
30 miles later and so far no cracks or creaks.

Fingers crossed.

[jdlugs]

Hi I have a cracks or creaks. noise when i reverse and turn the steering wheel I noticed the noice is coming from passenger front tyre what could be the issue