Steering creak

[Bighead2001]

I need a little help tracking down a noise that I noticed today.

While pulling into my driveway today I got a loud creaking sound while turning. I don't notice anything while driving straight...just during turns. I haven't noticed it before but it's been cold so I haven't had the windows down much but it's definitely coming from underneath the 4Runner.

I checked:
1. P/S fluid - Good
2. Visually check Lower ball joints - Good (replaced within last 10 months)
3. Visually check Outer TRE - Good (replaced within last 10 months)
4. Nothing looks odd with the suspension components.
5. No leaks seen around the steering rack

I am wondering if the steering rack decided to start it's death throes today. It is the original rack and it has been pushing around 35s for several years. I've searched a few sites so far but have not really coming up with anything that seems to match.

I would appreciate any help.

Thanks...Lance

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Are you sure it's not a CV joint going out?

 

[JayRolla]

Double then triple check the ball joints. If they where replaced with oems you should be fine but if not they are most likely the issue. Get your finger into the grove of the ball joint boot and see if there are any rips at all. I have had this issue on many different vehicles.

 

[Bighead2001]

Are you sure it's not a CV joint going out?

I didn't think so since the axles aren't turning with the manual hubs and they have only seen road miles since I put them on last year. No leaks there either. I'll look again today.

Double then triple check the ball joints. If they where replaced with oems you should be fine but if not they are most likely the issue. Get your finger into the grove of the ball joint boot and see if there are any rips at all. I have had this issue on many different vehicles.

OEM ball joints and TREs. No obvious leaks there either but I'll get under there again today to give a closer look.

Thanks guys. Anyone else have some thoughts?

 

[sschaefer3]

It does not creek anymore !!! Just stopped by itself.