Annoying steering squeak...HELP

[BMAC96GT]

Hey guys,

Just had to get a new steering rack put in the 96 GT. Drives great but now when Im parking or sitting still and turn the wheel, it squeaks/creaks. Do you think its the steering shaft, tie rod ends or what? And should I try greasing anything in particular?

Any help is appreciated!

 

[whiplash473]

My first guess would be the rack bushings.

 

[Burninrock24]

You're not talking belt squeal right?

 

[the5.ohh]

If the bushings weren't greased, they'll squeak.

 

[MadStang]

tie rods ends are the usual culprit for the steering squeals. I doubt the rack bushings are causing noise, best way to find out is have someone turn the wheel while you locate the noise.

 

[JerZeyStangz]

I know my steering rack bushings were shot and every time I turn slight I would hear pop/creak. It can also come from your ball joints to but remember to do a process of elimination.

 

[BMAC96GT]

Its definitely not a belt squeak. Im pretty sure its the tie rod ends. Is there a particular kind of grease that youre supposed to use for that?

 

[JerZeyStangz]

Tie rod ends do not use grease, now what they connect too does which is the ball joint. The ball joints is connected to the A-Arm and those need to be either regreased or replaced. When they loose lubrication they sound like a old station wagon going over bumps. Becareful not to let this problem fester because the ball joint can seperate from the A-Arm and damage your fender and any related suspension components because the cars weight is not properly supported anymore.

Options: New 03 Cobra A-Arms with x2 ball joints $$$, new steeda x2 ball joints, bumpsteer kit and steeda x2 ball joints, or economy method replace the tie-rod end and ball joint stock replacement.

I have the bumpsteer kit from steeda and it is very nice upgrade!

http://www.americanmuscle.com/suspension-tech-guide-part1.html

 

[MadStang]

Tie rod ends do not use grease, now what they connect too does which is the ball joint. The ball joints is connected to the A-Arm and those need to be either regreased or replaced. When they loose lubrication they sound like a old station wagon going over bumps. Becareful not to let this problem fester because the ball joint can seperate from the A-Arm and damage your fender and any related suspension components because the cars weight is not properly supported anymore.

Options: New 03 Cobra A-Arms with x2 ball joints $$$, new steeda x2 ball joints, bumpsteer kit and steeda x2 ball joints, or economy method replace the tie-rod end and ball joint stock replacement.

I have the bumpsteer kit from steeda and it is very nice upgrade!

http://www.americanmuscle.com/suspension-tech-guide-part1.html

uhh... the oem tie rod ends do use grease... but if they're squealing that means they're shot and need to be replaced. I recommend either going for an oem replacement like moog, or if you want to upgrade you can go to a maximum Motorsports or steeda Bumpsteer kit that replaces the tie rod end with a spherical rod end. no need to replace the ball joint if that's not what is making noise.

 

[JerZeyStangz]

uhh... the oem tie rod ends do use grease... but if they're squealing that means they're shot and need to be replaced. I recommend either going for an oem replacement like moog, or if you want to upgrade you can go to a maximum Motorsports or steeda Bumpsteer kit that replaces the tie rod end with a spherical rod end. no need to replace the ball joint if that's not what is making noise.

I wasn't sure if it was or not. I remember when doing my suspension 3 years ago I had to use a special device to separate the tie rod end with spindles I believe, but I never heard of them making noise. My ball joints made terrible noise because they weren't greaseable.