So I finally lowered the car been on stands since December. Started her up and noticed there is now a popping noise when I turn the steering wheel. If you watch the video there are 2 noises. One of them is belt squeal but there is also a popping noise that I think may be from the strut mounts or springs or something.

I have done the following changes recently that may be involved in this issue:

Changed A-Arms (Used rebuilt)
Changed struts / springs (Used 951 housings with Koni inserts and weltmeister 200# springs)
Change caster blocks (New)
Changed sway bar bushings (New)
Front wheel bearings (New)
Also changed a leaky power steering hose and refiled ATF

Before I mounted them I spun the strut mounts and they seemed good to me.

Here is the link to the video in the last 20 seconds or so, I am turning the steering wheel lock to lock. any opinions as to what is causing the issue would be much appreciated.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hQxasrx6As

Also how tight should the bolts at the top of the strut mounts be?

 

Check the joints on the steering shaft.

 

Do you mean the tie rod ends ? What would I look for?

I am thinking to strut mounts because if I loosen the bolts at the top it seems to lessen the problem.

Is there a front and back to the strut mounts? Is it possible they are backwards?

 

! mean the steering shaft from the rack to the steering column at the firewall.

 

yeah, check to see if its binding

 

What can I do to test / fix if it is the shaft?

 

Raise the front of the can and have some one turn the wheel slowly and listen/look for popping noise of resistance in the wheel at certain points. If it is bad you will need to find another shaft they are expensive new but are available used fairly inexpensively.

 

with the car up there was absolutely no resistance everything was smooth and free. Guess that would point to something that is more stressed when the car is down on its wheels.