Steering creaks loudly when turning the wheels, cold or hot

redlines · Post by **redlines** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 10:13 am

I have a 93 legacy L AWD wagon. Recently the steering is makeing a loud screeching noise when I turn the wheels especially after start up when its cold but it will do it hot as well. Its not a power steering whine when its lock to lock its more or a screeching sound like something is not getting lubed and it happens way before lock to lock in both directions. Is there a way to lube the steering or if its rack and pinion can you change the fluid? any ideas would be appreciated
Thanks

SiCkSTi04 · Post by **SiCkSTi04** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 4:10 pm

have you checked your wheel bearings by jacking the front end and moving the tires left and right? does the noise come from making both left/right turns or just either

SLODRIVE · Post by **SLODRIVE** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:42 pm

Did you check to make sure the power steering belt's not slipping? Because that sounds exactly like what you described.

redlines · Post by **redlines** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:58 pm

Its more of a creaking noise not a squeeling noise like a belt but I will double check the belt. It makes it when you turn it both ways so I will check the wheel free play
Thanks

log1call · Post by **log1call** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:16 pm

Bottom suspension ball-joints or top strut bearing can make this noise.

To locate the noise have someone else turn the wheel while you rest your finger tips on the bottom ball joints one at a time, you might be able to feel the vibrations the creaking makes. Try the same test at the top of the strut.

Lots of noises that are hard to pinpoint with your ears can be detected by feel.

redlines · Post by **redlines** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:38 pm

My strurts are original all the way around with 170K on the car and they are WASTED so hopefully that is the problem.
Anyone one know what subaru struts from the junkyard will be a direct bolt on to my 93 wagon L AWD ??
I don't care about performance I just want something that will be a direct bolt. Hopefully I can find some there that aren't wasted since the best prices I can find on the cheapest new struts online for my car is like $70+ each plus shipping and tax
Thanks

log1call · Post by **log1call** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 9:45 pm

Well if it's the strut itself making the noise you might be able to confirm that by poking a finger in between the spring coils and touching the strut where the shaft comes out of the body of the strut as someone is causing the noise. Might be a tight fit between the springs though!

evolutionmovement · Post by **evolutionmovement** » Sun Feb 22, 2009 11:46 pm

It's likely the strut top mounts, not the struts, though they might be bad, too, they're likely not the source of the noise.

redlines · Post by **redlines** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 12:06 am

Ok I am just going to replace the struts and the strut mounts. Any idea what model/year subarus at the junkyard I can raid that will fit my 93 wagon L AWD?
Thanks

Post by **Legacy777** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:09 am

I'd suspect ball joints. They typically make that sound when they're going out.

redlines · Post by **redlines** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 6:19 am

Its been raining and I noticed it hasn't made the noise since it got wet, does that mean its probably the ball joints or the strut tops?
Thanks

log1call · Post by **log1call** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 8:18 am

Wait till the water dries out and the squeak comes back then douse one thing at a time with oil till the squeak goes away?

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Steering creaks loudly when turning the wheels, cold or hot

Steering creaks loudly when turning the wheels, cold or hot