Creaking?

[NayChan]

Just a few days ago, I've noticed a bunch of horrible creaking noises whenever I turn the steering wheel and go around a corner. I know that a little is to be expected, but it's absolutely HORRIBLE and annoying. Also, it's loud. I have a '04 [which I've only had since May..] and I wouldn't think it would have any trouble this early. Any ideas?

 

[RedSonya04]

I also have an '04 and have a similar problem. I read somewhere that it has to do with the power steering rack. Someone on this board told me it had to do with the unibody. The creaking in my car happens mainly when going into or coming out of driveways and parking spaces. I know, its annoying. Otherwise, I love my car.

 

[NayChan]

Is it something that needs to get fixed, or is fine without it?

 

[RedSonya04]

I actually took mine to the dealer last fall and they did say there was a bad steering rack and they fixed it. It cost $500 but it was still under warranty so it didn't cost me anything. They told me that it wasn't anything to worry about and that the car was safe to drive. I have heard the noise since and it seems that I mainly hear it when its cool and/or moist outside. It was pretty warm today and I didn't hear it at all. I've thought about taking it back to the dealer and having it looked at again. But for the most part, everything people have told me is that it isn't a safety concern and that its just a noise. I'll post an update if I take it back to the dealer and see what they say.

 

[tomustang]

steering rack bushings suck

warranty>paying out of pocket

take it to a dealer

 

[MustangJolly]

I have a 96 Convertible, about 2 or 3 months ago, I've noticed the creaking and GOD awful noise during low speeds, parking coming out of the drive way just like the other person mentioned, I replaced the power steering fluid, result; nothing changed. Went back to a local advanced auto, they claimed to have been the rack and the pinion, so I took it to the shop and now they're telling me that the lower ball joints are almost worn out, its pretty much the metal and metal rubbing together causing the squeeky noise. Now, I originally thought it was the rack and the pinion b/c my car is 8 years older then your car, but they're telling me differently, so I'm not sure what to do...

its time for a new car.. I love my mustang, but man.. it is a ford.. (fix or repair daily)..
wish i had the money to buy the new GT's ...

 

[RedSonya04]

I actually had a 98 mustang that I traded in last year for my 04. I kinda think that alot of the problems I had with my 98 had to do with a bad wreck I had that affected the front end of the car. But with that car, not only was I hearing the creaking noises which were a lot worse than the ones I hear in my 04, but I was also hearing horrible popping noises which were the ball joints about to go out. It was going to cost like $3,000 to fix, so thats part of the reason why I traded in for a newer one. My mom has an 03 and hasn't had any problems with it, but she's the original owner and it has only 9k miles on it. Mine was a rental car before I bought it so its probaby been abused.

 

[NayChan]

Yeah. Mine mostly creaks when going around corners [sounds like the ENTIRE car is shifting to one side, just harder than it should], and pulling into park.

I don't know how far my warranty has left, but I'll check and see if I can find time to take it to the dealer.

 

[GTA_V6_Mustang]

As for whether its the ball joint or not you can find out by simply lifting the front and having someone turn the steering wheel and then you can pinpoint where the noise is coming from. If its coming from the wheel area where the control arms are then its the ball joint. A little white grease put directly in the ball joint should pretty much quiet it down extremely and determine exactly if it is or not for sure.