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Creaking Steering

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Old May 9, 2007 | 05:48 PM
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traben27's Avatar
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From: allen tx/provo ut
Creaking Steering

Before you say anything. No, it's not the steering stops. This is a true creak like an old door being opened. It sounds like its coming from somewhere up top and happens when I'm turning (not to full lock, just around corners).

I was sitting on my driveway just now having someone turn the wheel and if they turned it out to the left a few inches and then turned it back to center, it would creak on the way back in. I need some help on this. Could this be a ball joint or something with the tie rod or what because I KNOW it's not the steering stops.
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Old May 9, 2007 | 06:44 PM
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From: allen tx/provo ut
bumpin it up.
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Old May 9, 2007 | 06:54 PM
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From: NorthWest NJ
hmmm i dont remember if it does account for 94 runners but there is a recall on the steering for some trucks, maybe the 94 runner fits into this?
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Old May 9, 2007 | 07:00 PM
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From: allen tx/provo ut
just got that done today and it's still doing it. that thought did cross my mind however.
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Old May 9, 2007 | 07:08 PM
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Originally Posted by traben27
just got that done today and it's still doing it. that thought did cross my mind however.
i dunno then , thats the only thing i could think of
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Old May 9, 2007 | 07:30 PM
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From: TENN Native Languishing in Virginia
Sounds like maybe a ball joint. Is everything lubed? Did you miss a zerk? For it to creak it would have to be WAY dry...
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Old May 9, 2007 | 07:35 PM
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From: South
Powersteerin have fluid? Mine makes weird noises when it's leaked a good amount of fluid...
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Old May 10, 2007 | 09:40 AM
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From: NW Ark on wooded ten acres...Ozarks at large!
Hmmm...idler arm? They will sound like an old door when they're going out.
Jack the front end up and yank on it hard. See if there's any play. Then, check your pitman arm, tie rods, and bj's. Everything should move smoothly, feel tight and not sloppy. Look for excessive grease spill over or no grease at all. Spill over means worn boots/seals and in that case grit can get in and, of course,wear things out.
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Old May 10, 2007 | 02:56 PM
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From: allen tx/provo ut
It's not powersteering and I'll look at everything. I'm pretty sure its not the idler arm. it's coming from the driver's side and sounds like its coming from somwhere along the upper a-arm. It almost sound like its coming from along the frame but maybe i'm just going crazy.
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Old May 10, 2007 | 07:38 PM
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From: allen tx/provo ut
Looked under there again today as well as drove it around town. the creaking also happens if i accelerate from a dead stop quickly (as the front end picks up slightly it creaks). It looks like maybe one of the ball joint boot was leaking, could that be the cause?
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Old May 11, 2007 | 03:08 AM
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From: TENN Native Languishing in Virginia
Like I said....sounds like a ball joint.
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Old May 11, 2007 | 05:40 AM
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From: NW Ark on wooded ten acres...Ozarks at large!
Originally Posted by TNRabbit
Like I said....sounds like a ball joint.
You mean you can hear that?!.....all the way from Maryland? WOW! Will you be my mechanic?

IF it is the ball joint, there are real good prices on the net for OEM. But, Moog does make really good ones. O'Reilly....lifetime warranty.
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Old May 11, 2007 | 05:47 AM
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From: Allen, Tx / Rexburg, ID
Originally Posted by traben27
It's not powersteering and I'll look at everything. I'm pretty sure its not the idler arm. it's coming from the driver's side and sounds like its coming from somwhere along the upper a-arm. It almost sound like its coming from along the frame but maybe i'm just going crazy.
Yes casey your going crazy
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Old May 11, 2007 | 06:13 AM
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From: TENN Native Languishing in Virginia
Originally Posted by thook
You mean you can hear that?!.....all the way from Maryland? WOW! Will you be my mechanic?
Sure! Just drive it on up here & I'll fix what's ailin' ya! I only charge $10/hour (cash business only).
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Old May 11, 2007 | 06:31 AM
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From: NW Ark on wooded ten acres...Ozarks at large!
Hehehe...
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Old May 11, 2007 | 07:25 AM
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From: Placerville, CA
Might want to make doubly sure it's not the idler arm. Have someone turn the wheel while you put your hand on it. I know on mine it didn't sound like it came from there but I could feel the vibration when they turned it. Some fresh bushings shut it right up.
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Old May 11, 2007 | 07:33 AM
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From: san diego
my friends 2nd gen runn have the recall done(all new everything on the steering) and it still squeaks and pops. Its toyots a bump steer. toyotas always make wierd noises when u turn.
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Old May 11, 2007 | 07:42 AM
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From: TENN Native Languishing in Virginia
Originally Posted by deserttoy84
my friends 2nd gen runn have the recall done(all new everything on the steering) and it still squeaks and pops. Its toyots a bump steer. toyotas always make wierd noises when u turn.

Toyotas do not ALWAYS make noises when you turn.; if they do, something is wrong. And what the heck does "Its toyots a bump steer" mean?!??
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Old May 11, 2007 | 02:00 PM
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From: Apple Valley, CA
control arm bushings?
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Old May 11, 2007 | 05:41 PM
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From: Ontario Canada
I was thinking Control Arm Bushings as well. My buddy's truck has a bad creak to it and that is what it is. If you get someone to rock the truck back and forth you should be able to hear the creak. Pinpoint the creak using a screwdriver as a stethoscope, you should be able to rule out/find your creak that way. When you turn your steering your control arms will move up or down slightly, just enough to creak. I bet if you jack up the truck so the front suspension is hanging and then turn the steering you wont hear the creak.

Last edited by dgomes; May 11, 2007 at 05:44 PM.
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