All, it's been a while. I wanted to ask a diagnostic question.

I have an intermittent squeaking problem when I turn the wheel, either way. The noise is most evident when moving slightly from the straight position; it does not squeak after turning more turn of the wheel. At first, I thought it was my upper ball joint so I replaced the upper control arm. But it still occurs.

My question is this: Does a worn out rack show intermittent symptoms?

If not, what other bushings should I replace. I have not replace any bushings in the front end. I did replace the upper and lower ball joints and also the tie rod ends.

I found the following youtube video that shows the sound: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKrd5KBTcH8

According to one comment it was the lower ball joints which I had replaced about 1 year ago now. could it have failed that quickly?

 

I had a squeaking in time with the rotations when I turned either direction but more left than right. the sharper the turn, the louder the squeak. not when moving straight.

I replaced my rotors and pads, and now the problem is completely gone. Probably was rust or dirt trapped somewhere.

 

You should have second person in the driver's seat and have him/her turn the wheel. and listen for the source of the noise. Make sure the gear is in neutral, parking brake is on and a foot on the brake pedal, too, while you are there poking your head, just in case.

 

Yes you need to get out and listen so you can quit guessing and locate the part that is squeaking. Listening with a stethoscope or just a length of hose held to your ear is helpful to pinpoint the noisy component. It could also be the steering column inside the car.

 

mk, do you think the steering column just needs some grease?

It's awfully loud now and is almost constantly making noise when I turn the wheel.

 

I don't think there is anything to regrease, as like the tie rod ends and ball joints, the column bearings and u-joints are also sealed. Really you need to enlist a helper and find out exactly which part is squeaking.

 

ok, here is some closure, I hope. After checking every imaginable part in my steering and suspension, I separated all 3 joints (tie rod end, upper ball joint, and lower ball joint), and realized that my lower ball joint had some vertical movement. So I replaced it and it seems for the time being to have solved the problem. I will report back if I encounter more issues later, but for now, consider this case solved.