Creaky steering

[BLU_FZ1]

Ok, my ute is suffering from a creaky front end when turning the wheels (steering).The funny thing is that when the weather is cooler around 25-30 degrees it is minimal,when the temp rises around 35-38 or more its down right embarassing just navigating around a car park. I dont believe it is a power steering problem????? Tie rod ends??????? Ball jounts????? Seriusly its sounds like a haunted house with those creaky doors.

Any ideas or thoughts

Glenn

[vxcalais_01]

I swear i have the same issues with my VX, noisier when hot.......click click click

[andyman]

is it on full lock when it makes the noise?

[BLU_FZ1]

No, it creaks through the cycle from full left to right

[kdiz22]

My sister has the same problem in her VX and would love to know whats causing it coz it gets very annoying!

[GREGWATKINS75]

i got a vz ute to with exeactly the same issues in the same temprature range?

[black as]

Sounds like the upper cradle where the coil spring sits

[BLU_FZ1]

Sounds like the upper cradle where the coil spring sits

Sooooooooo,, whats the fix?

[VZ_SV6_NZ]

Had something similar in mine a while ago. Wasnt really temp specific, just a slight creak/groan when turning to full lock.

Turns out it was a broken strut bearing, bout a $40 part from memory...

[vxcalais_01]

strut bearing ? You mean front strut mount radius rod bearing ??? Few DIY's on here to install them. I have some nolathane ones ready to chuck in....

[randomhero11]

yeah definitely a strut bearing. replacing mine as we speak on the passenger side. anyonen know the bearing pre load tension

[ozzypole]

More than likely a strut bearing. SKF part number BD1B 351873 D. In the process of replacing both of mine now. Need to remove strut, disassemble and replace the two piece plastic ball race complete with new ball bearings.

[BLU_FZ1]

Ok,, what causes the strut bearing to collapse, surely they are designed to last longer than 18 months.

Could it have been caused by lowering and not fitting shorter shocks?

[Wayne Sumner]

ive lowered my car, and have the same noise.
there are a few threads on oiling the rubber seal on the steering shaft.
ive traced the noise down to the steering shaft on my VZ ute.
and my car didnt make the noise before i lowered it. going to put a bit of grease on it when the rain stops.

i also find mine stops when it is warmer.

[calaiscruise]

BLU_FZ1

If your "creak" is the same as mine, it used to sound like a slight whirring, or whizzing noise, related to how fast the steering wheel was turned. I only noticed it at idle, and sometimes I felt it through the steering wheel.

I can't remember where I heard about the cause, possibly a thread somewhere, and they suggested it's a rubber seal in the firewall for the steering shaft, that needs lubrication... common on all VX-VY's. My mate has a VX and his is way worse than mine.

I mentioned to my Holden dealer who said they'd fix it during a service. They said it's difficult to get to from underneath, and needs someone at the wheel rotating back and forth so the seal can be greased.

Mine has come back again, I might have to climb under the car and look myself, though I'd have to find out if a special grease must be used, otherwise it might swell or damage the rubber.

If anyone else knows the solution to my problem, please let me know.

[vncruzr]

i think there was a post done on this a while ago for vn-vr/s but yeah it was the rubber boot on the steering shaft. lubed the one on my vn and my vr and yep, problem solved.

[camstatic]

BLU_FZ1, it is most likely the bushes and bearing packs on the top of your struts, can you post a pic of the top of the struts from within your engine bay? This'll aid diagnosis.

[BLU_FZ1]

Guys, there is about 2mm gap. The noise is not a"clunk" There would need to be an excess space between the shock tower and the retainer plate,,,,,,,,,,that would clunk. I have a "creak"
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[camstatic]

Yeah they're sitting up quite high which indicates a problem with the strut top bearings and bushes. I'm not sure of the specific part names or numbers to do this job as I've only ever asked for 'Everything above the strut'. Once the strut is out it's quite easy to get it all apart, as long as you have the right tools. A rattlegun being almost a necessity, but with some determination you can get by without one. If you're not sure about the job, if you remove the struts for them, a mechanic could replace the bushes and bearings in both struts in under an hour, not costing you very much in labour at all...

[BLU_FZ1]

Ok, what does it cost for the parts, i can see Holden not doing it under warranty.

[camstatic]

Actually if it's still under warranty, force them to do it. All up at trade I think parts are well under $100.

[BLU_FZ1]

Im going to do it myself,,so are any after market bushes and bearings better than orig GMH (Nolathane,Pedders) and are they really any better

Glenn

[camstatic]

Pedders or Nolathane will do the trick.