Creak from the Steering

pipenslippers · 9th February 2010, 21:09

Just a little question... While I dont believe its anything major (its more of an irriatation but want to make sure it wont turn into anything more sinister)

I have a slight noise coming from the front steering. For example as you start returning the steering wheel position from a 9 oclock -> 12 oclock ,or 3 oclock -> 12 position during a low speed maneuver such as parking or reversing (it seems less noticeable when starting a turn from the netural 12 -> 3 or 9 position). As for the the noise.. well it manifests itself in the form of a dull creak which quickly disappears as you continue turning.

At higher speeds, the creak seems to disappear completely. Imagine, from my schoolboy physics, this is due to less force required turn the wheels and so less stress on the steering system (and smaller steering adjustments needed too).

The only other thing slightly wrong with the steering is the car drifts very, very, very, slightly to the left but I'm sure that's just a wheel balancing issue. I've not noticed any uneven tire wear.

So is it anything that needs checking? Could just be a tiny bit of slack in the steering system and just live with it. Maybe a bolt that needs tightening?

Sorry if the description is a bit poor I'm no mechanic.

Any suggestions gratefully received.

Pipe.

Jules · 9th February 2010, 21:13

Usually top strut bearings.
Feeling the spring while someone turns the steering wheel will isolate which side needs doing

pipenslippers · 9th February 2010, 21:27

Hi Jules,
*Faster than a ZT response*

Thanks for the quick reply. Is a worn top strut likely to be a result of normal wear and tear? Just asking this cos I' ve only had this motor for a month now. Could it indicate something more serious? Any idea how much it might cost to replace?

Ta

Pipe.

Jules · 9th February 2010, 21:45

Bearings are just a weak design.
We started replacing them as early as 30K miles.

We charge £80 per side inclusive

9th February 2010, 21:09	#1
pipenslippers Avid contributor MG ZT-T 260 SE Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Nottingham Posts: 166 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Creak from the Steering Just a little question... While I dont believe its anything major (its more of an irriatation but want to make sure it wont turn into anything more sinister) I have a slight noise coming from the front steering. For example as you start returning the steering wheel position from a 9 oclock -> 12 oclock ,or 3 oclock -> 12 position during a low speed maneuver such as parking or reversing (it seems less noticeable when starting a turn from the netural 12 -> 3 or 9 position). As for the the noise.. well it manifests itself in the form of a dull creak which quickly disappears as you continue turning. At higher speeds, the creak seems to disappear completely. Imagine, from my schoolboy physics, this is due to less force required turn the wheels and so less stress on the steering system (and smaller steering adjustments needed too). The only other thing slightly wrong with the steering is the car drifts very, very, very, slightly to the left but I'm sure that's just a wheel balancing issue. I've not noticed any uneven tire wear. So is it anything that needs checking? Could just be a tiny bit of slack in the steering system and just live with it. Maybe a bolt that needs tightening? Sorry if the description is a bit poor I'm no mechanic. Any suggestions gratefully received. Pipe.

9th February 2010, 21:13	#2
Jules This is my second home ZT 260 SE Twilight and 10 other 75 ZT's :O Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Conwy NORTH WALES Posts: 11,094 Thanks: 512 Thanked 1,116 Times in 763 Posts	Usually top strut bearings. Feeling the spring while someone turns the steering wheel will isolate which side needs doing __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Newbies do now!! 1. Plenum drains..all 3 or 4 year dependent 2. Cooling fan..All speeds functioning 3. Bonnet cable divider block

9th February 2010, 21:45	#4
Jules This is my second home ZT 260 SE Twilight and 10 other 75 ZT's :O Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Conwy NORTH WALES Posts: 11,094 Thanks: 512 Thanked 1,116 Times in 763 Posts	Bearings are just a weak design. We started replacing them as early as 30K miles. We charge £80 per side inclusive __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Newbies do now!! 1. Plenum drains..all 3 or 4 year dependent 2. Cooling fan..All speeds functioning 3. Bonnet cable divider block

9th February 2010, 21:27	#3
pipenslippers Avid contributor MG ZT-T 260 SE Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Nottingham Posts: 166 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Hi Jules, Faster than a ZT response Thanks for the quick reply. Is a worn top strut likely to be a result of normal wear and tear? Just asking this cos I' ve only had this motor for a month now. Could it indicate something more serious? Any idea how much it might cost to replace? Ta Pipe.