I get this real bad horror movie sounding loud "clunkety creak" sound from my front end when I'm turning right.-Not a traveling right street turn but a bit sharper of a turn- like a parking spot or driveway- 50% plus turn. It's horrible and loud! Everyone in the block radius turns to look in fear! Seriously.

These past couple of days I've replaced all upper and lower ball joints, the right side tie rod assembly, and the right side idler arm. Everything seemed to need a replacement anyways as the boots were all shot and now she rides over bumps smoother.. but- the nightmare sound still prevails! I thought I had it nailed with the idler arm because I thought I could actually FEEL the sound when I put my hand on it- but alas, I was mistaken.
My next thought is the Steering Damper...Could this be the the source of the evil scream from hell?

 

It's a '93 4X4

 

Hmm nobody? Anyone ever heard of the steering damper creaking loud when you turn right? I believe that compresses it.

 

Are you turning to full lock? If so, it's your steering stops rubbing.

 

No, the creaking starts before full lock. About the last 50% of right turn
It also happens whether I'm moving or parked

 

Turn it to where it makes the noise and look to see if anything is touching. It could be a clamp bolt turned to where it will hit something. Hope this helps.

 

Power steering jumps out at me. It's the only thing I'd think would make noise when parked. I'd say cv's but I've never heard them "scream" just clunk. If you think you were close with the idler arm, you might try the pitman arm next. And if you have the time and money, put in a set of manual hubs, run them unlocked, and see if the sound persists. If it does you're probably on track with steering and suspension culprits - if it stops look into the front drivetrain.

 

Shoot some video and post it.

 

Sorry for the late response but Snowheeler , I like your ideas. I even called the dealership, the service chick just put me through to a voice mail that never materialized into a response. I was thinking the same lines..pitman arm is out of whack/dry and grinds when it's leaning one way (turning to the right). But the only power steering experience I've had with another truck (which I shall not divulge the make/model), you could feel the problem in the steering wheel (vibration/shaking and not a lot of noise unless your standing next to it). Not in this case.
This sounds like metal scaffolding coming down! Maybe a video WOULD be nice, BZP. One that captures the expressions of the people diving for cover when I pull in to a parking lot. LOL

 

No front drive axles, I'm embarrassed to admit, they are missing so that is not the problem. That is my next project once I figure out this grinding problem.
The front wheels are rolling free.

 

Oh, and wouldn't power steering cry out only while the engine is running(with the belt moving)? I can create this noise parked and powered off. -- I just unlock the steering wheel and turn right 50% or so..

 

Who the hell is Pitman anyway and why does he deserve a special arm?

 

recurve, I currently have this same problem, '90 v6 pickup, it is coming from my passenger front side. I haven't looked into it much because I wasn't informed of anything wrong up there when I had a used vehicle inspection done on the truck. But, mine does the same thing, about 1/2 way turn at slow turning reverse speed mostly for me. Sounds kinda like a metal door opening screech/clunk sound.

 

Oh, if the truck is off that should rule out p/s. I was thinking you meant just not rolling or in gear. Not having cv axles in narrows things down a lot too.

Definitely look into the pitman arm. The lava rocks of Lassen (combined with me not running in 4low to crawl along) killed it and the idler arm on my truck. IIRC, there was a little creaking, more clunking, and a lot of sloppy steering.

Did you ever change out your steering stabilizer?

 

UVRUGBY, yep, sounds like you ve got the same thing going on, maybe not as bad though.


no I did not do the stabilizer. Didnt get enough info that would suggest it is the problem, but I guess I still cant rule it out.

 

It is indeed the Steering Damper. I removed one end and there was no sound when I turned the steering wheel. Although I can't make the sound by compressing or pulling on the damper itself, it is obvious now that it is sticking because it is bent somewhat.
Problem solved! Thanks for everyone's suggestions.

 

Thanks a lot that just solved my problems.

 

I am having the same problem. Going to check this out in the morning! Hope it is the same thing!

 

Thanks Recurve I've been having the same issue. I had to laugh at your description of having people turn in fear as mine does the same to people walking by in parking lots when I'm turning in. It truly is a terrible sound.