Paul Marangoni

I hear a 'creaking' noise when I turn the steering wheel. It's more pronounced when I turn it counter-clockwise. I only notice it when I'm going very slow (when parallel parking, etc) or when not moving.

Does anyone have any idea what would cause this? I'm going to check the power steering fluid level right now.

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Okay, I checked all the fluids and the levels are fine.

parkman

record the sound and post it... there are many causes of creaking noises.

Sloth

Make sure your nuts are tight...

Let me restate that... make sure your lug nuts are tightened to the proper torque values.

Paul Marangoni

It actually sounds like it might be the suspension. It sounds like a creaking spring....

Loren

There are two different TSBs for noises in the steering. 2/00 4088 Clicking Noise In Steering (dated 6-16-2000) and 6/00 4085 Noises In Steering (dated 8-18-2000). Both require replacement of suspension components. If your car is still under warranty it would be best to have them look at it.

Paul Marangoni

I don't have the stock suspension. I have the H&R Coilover kit (I had it installed 2 1/2 years ago), and I'm not under warranty anymore. I'll just keep an eye (and ear) on it and if it gets worse or more annoying I'll take it in.

SP

Probably wishbone balljoint which cannot be replaced, you need to replace the entire wishbone.

I've had to do this on my previous boxster and current 996.

SP

Paul Marangoni

Thanks SP!

What causes it to deteriorate? Is it expensive to replace? Should I do it right away or can it wait?

SP

If moisture has got into the balljoint through the protective boot then it dries out and starts to squeek. It might be OK in the short term if it has just started to make a noise, you could try pulling back the rubber boot and spraying in some lubricant, but if it has been making a noise for a while then the joint will have been damaged and will have movement in it.

The control arm/wishbones are around £200 UK each and are an easy swap, all you need to do is get the geometry checked after the job. I've done two and it was no problem at all with the only special tool needed was a balljoint splitter.

Take your car to an OPC and have them take a look at it and give you a quote to make sure it is this joint, then buy the parts yourself and set a morning aside to do the job yourself.

It is a common problem with Boxsters and 996 cars, it has happened to both my cars in the past.

Pic of control arm/wishbone attached.




Cheers,


SP

Paul Marangoni

Thanks! I appreciate all your responses. Next time I take it in for service I'll have them check it out. I don't have the space or time to do it myself. The weird thing is that sometimes it doesn't creak at all (like this morning for instance). But then again, nothing lasts forever and all parts have a lifetime right?