Loud creaking noise from steering.

[Paul V]

My Griff has starting making a loud creaking noise from around the O/S front wheel when move the steering, I‘m wondering if it could be a ball joint?

[greenv8s]

Paul V said:

My Griff has starting making a loud creaking noise from around the O/S front wheel when move the steering, I‘m wondering if it could be a ball joint?

Or steering column UJ. Does it have PAS?

[Paul V]

It’s not PAS, I don’t think its a UJ as when I poke my head under the bonnet the noise came from the wheel area rather than the UJ or steering rack, guessing I’ll have to jack it up and see if anything is loose.

[greenv8s]

You can test the top ball joint by pulling out on the top of the wheel with your full weight (feet on the inside of the rim, hold on to the top of the tyre, lean out as far as you can). If there is any play in the ball joint you will feel it go clunk. (Might prove the joint is faulty, but doesn't prove it is OK.)

[Paul V]

I’ll try that, not sure it’ll make the noise if I jack the car up as there won’t be any load on it.

[heliox]

Your anti-roll bar rubbers may be dry and this can lead to creaking etc.

A spray with silicone will tell you if its this or not.

h

[Paul V]

I’m going to get the car in the air tonight and have a closer look, I’ll get myself some silicon spray and see if that helps.

[Paul V]

I checked the ball joint by putting a bar under the wheel and lifting it, there appears to be a lot of movement in the bottom joints on both sides.

Does anyone know where I can get some?

[greenv8s]

TVR dealer/specialist. Or you can take a gamble and try to find ones for a Lada Riva 1200 and hope you find them cheaper and hope you get the right parts.

[Paul V]

The problem is the dealers don’t have any, some dealers do but apparently they are too big and won’t fit.