Creaks from suspension/steering(?) when turning @ low speeds

WFNelson · Post by **WFNelson** » 02 Sep 2010, 00:16

Where to lubricate? 1998 V70 Wagon. Thank you.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 02 Sep 2010, 01:09

It may or may not fix your problem but start with cheap and easy and smear some axle grease on the plastic steering stops. They are the plastic tabs on the side of your lower control arms. I have some Mercruiser water resistant grease that I use since they are totally exposed to the elements but just about anything will work for a year or so.

...Lee

WFNelson · Post by **WFNelson** » 02 Sep 2010, 16:07

Thanks for the response Lee, I'm not quite sure which parts those are, but after getting a basic idea on Google images I guess I'll take a look and see what I can do.

Post by **E Showell** » 02 Sep 2010, 17:07

There are at least two other possibilities if greasing the steering stops does not work. First there is a rubber boot where the steering column goes through the floor. Around it is a plastic ring, with a slit on one side so that it can be expanded and removed from the column. Remove same and clean, regrease and reinstall. There is a detailed, step-by-step post on this forum on how to do it.

A more problematic issue (read $$$) could be a split rubber boot for one or both of your cv joints requiring regreasing and replacement, or, if bad enough, you may need to replace the axle/axles.

t5ftw · Post by **t5ftw** » 02 Sep 2010, 17:49

what about spring seat or bump stop?

WFNelson · Post by **WFNelson** » 03 Sep 2010, 13:52

Well it doesn't only happen when I'm turning, it also happens with I'm going straight and I go over little bumps and cracks in the pavement, in a parking lot for instance at low speeds.

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 03 Sep 2010, 21:45

That sounds very much like spring seats based on your latest description. Bounce the fenders, with the hood up, and look for vertical travel at the inverted castle washer at the top of the strut mounts. There will be travel but it will be slight.

It could also be bad sway bar end links. The bonus is that that is the cheapest solution if that is the problem.

,,,Lee

Post by **jblackburn** » 03 Sep 2010, 21:55

To add to what Lee said, your spring seats should not twist around in place, either by hand or with a wrench taken to the top nut. That will make a lot of clunking at slow speeds.

pablotar · Post by **pablotar** » 09 Sep 2010, 17:23

+1 for the spring seat and the sway bar links.
I just changed the spring seat on the passenger side and it took away some of the clunk and then changed the sway bar links and that took away all of the clunk.

Free2drive! · Post by **Free2drive!** » 10 Sep 2010, 04:34

If you turn your wheel on full lock and switch off the motor. You can see the swaybar links if the small rubber boots are torn spray a little wd40 on the joints. Drive round a parking lock, if the sound has gone you'll know it's the drop links.

Honestly if they are original they will be worn anyway as they don't last very long.
Matt