1995 850 Clunking/Creaking when turning

RMatey · Post by **RMatey** » 01 Dec 2014, 19:55

Hi, guys,
I've been struggling with this problem for some time now. When I turn the wheel either direction at slow speeds, I hear a clunking from inside the cabin. From outside, it definitely sounds more like creaking. The noise actually doesn't occur when the wheel is cranked, but happens every time I am heading toward cranked in either direction.

I've just replaced the tie rod end on the right side where it sounds like the noise is coming from when inside. But from outside with the hood up it sounds vaguely like it's coming from the engine bay, but it's not very clear.

The power steering fluid level is just about on the dot.

I did some snooping around the boards, and I read some about springs rubbing against new spring seats and making "wooden ship" noises. This is exactly how I'd describe what I've been hearing, and it began after I replaced most of my suspension, including springs and seats.

So after I read a few threads about it, I lubed up the spring seat where the spring makes contact with it. I'm thinking one of the following has happened:

- The grease I used is too thick/sticky (I used some grease I had in the garage for brakes and wheel bearings)
- The grease takes some time to work itself up in between the spring and seat
- I didn't use enough grease
- The problem isn't the spring/seat issue at all, and there is something going on with the rack (Fingers crossed it isn't this)

Do you guys have any thoughts for further diagnosis and/or treatment? I'm going in for an alignment in the very near future, and I'd hate to get it aligned, then figure out what's causing the clunking, then replace some suspension component and have to get it aligned again!

Thanks in advance!
-Jeff

RaiderRomo34 · Post by **RaiderRomo34** » 02 Dec 2014, 14:14

Check your sway bar links. I had replaced mine, and then I started getting a creaking noise, I thought it was the rack n pinion turned out to be defective sway bar link. ( I disconnected everything from the rack, and then turned the wheels. Then connect back one thing at a time, you will find the problem quickly this way. I would also check and strut mounts and bearings (these usually make noise if you hit a bump in the road. Volvos are known for these issues.

Post by **mecheng** » 02 Dec 2014, 17:01

Cv joint: boot ok?
Spring seat: this one is common on these cars

Post by **dosbricks** » 02 Dec 2014, 19:57

Jeff, what is the condition of your sway bar links? They can creak/clunk if they are dry of grease/worn and it would fit your observation that it happens when starting a left/right turn. Winter seems to aggravate groans and creaks of all kinds.

Post by **erikv11** » 02 Dec 2014, 21:17

All of the suggestions are good, but the first thing I would check is whether or not the spring seat is broken. As stated, that's a common failure.

Get a big wrench (or big pliers etc) and put it on the top nut for the strut assembly, and try to spin the nut (well, don't force it or anything):

You should meet resistance, it should not spin. Does it check out, or does it spin? Check both sides.

RMatey · Post by **RMatey** » 03 Dec 2014, 14:15

Thanks so much for all the suggestions, folks! I'll look into all of them once this rain lets up!