Creaking groaning front end when turning

[fishrod]

When I turn right after the car has sat for a few hours or more, I hear a groaning creaking sound up front. Only seems to do it one direction. Checked the power steering fluid and it was low (not touching the dipstick) so I topped that up.

Could be my imagination but it doesnt seem as bad as it was a few days ago. Still, it only does it when turning right.

CV Joints? I just had the bloody boots changed over. Possible they were not replaced correctly? Not enough lube added? They were split for a month or two before I had the boots replaced, I guess its possible dirt got in there and is only now starting to affect the joint.

 

[the_dingman]

Is it only at full turn, or at any turn?

There is a known issue with all 1st gen and 2nd get 4runners popping and grinding at full turn.

 

[fourwd1]

If it only happens at full lock, it could be some/all of the plastic covers on the steering stops are gone, allowing metal-on-metal contact. If so, you can replace them or slap some grease on them every so often.

 

[Bad_Vision]

steering rack thrust shutter from low fluid

 

[fishrod]

CV Joints

Bah, I think its the CV joints. I unlocked my wheels and it didnt do it. I just had my damn boots re-done 2 months ago!!! 8(

 

[Bad_Vision]

i never re boot them they are cheap enough to not risk it.

 

[fishrod]

What do you mean when you change the boots you change the cv joints as well?

 

[Bad_Vision]

yup i just buy the hole assembly its much quicker to change out typically the boots fail right as my warranty on them runs out so i just replace it for free!

 

[Iroke17]

-- removed by admin --

 

[fishrod]

Might be cheaper for you guys but I priced out the whole shaft on each side vs just the boots and they were way more expensive up here in canadia eh?

 

[90 t4r]

here were i live i cn get cv assemblies for 59 dollars each and they have a lifetime warrenty

 

[fishrod]

Yeah I could only find them at NAPA and they were asking 140 each plus tax or something, lol. The boots (x4) were about 80 bucks total, also from NAPA.

 

[icdawg]

i had a similar issue that only seemed to show up when my vehicle was in a cold climate (Tahoe). It ended up being that the spindle bushings were bone dry. I had the shop throw some grease in there and the problem went away.