Creaking While Steering

13955 Views 16 Replies 10 Participants Last post by superj, 15 d ago

FitzSens

Discussion Starter · Aug 26, 2014 (Edited)

Lately, while driving at low speeds; particularly while coming to a stop I hear a moderately loud creaking noise. The noise mostly happens as I turn the wheel.

It can't be heard from the outside unless I press my head against the upper corner of the hood on the driver's side. It's pretty loud inside the car.

Any idea what this could be? Something to do with the power-steering maybe? The fluid has never been changed, unless it was done early on before I bought the car, and I'm not really sure of the recommended interval to do so. I've seen reports of people never changing the power steering fluid in their car and having no problems. However, my car is at almost 160,000 miles and I'm sure could have used a change a long time ago.

The more I type this post out the more I think I should just change the fluid.

1 - 17 of 17 Posts

Mr.Smoke

· #2 · Aug 26, 2014

My initial guess would be the upper strut mount.

Reactions: 1

FitzSens

Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 27, 2014

Mr.Smoke said:
My initial guess would be the upper strut mount.

That makes sense based on the area the sound seems to be originating from.

I'll start with that.

Thanks.

willygoat

· #4 · Aug 27, 2014

It very well could have something to do with the PS pump or fluid. I had a similar sound and vibration when my control arms went out. Does it do it more on one side or the other when you turn the wheel?

FitzSens

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 27, 2014 (Edited)

willygoat said:
It very well could have something to do with the PS pump or fluid. I had a similar sound and vibration when my control arms went out. Does it do it more on one side or the other when you turn the wheel?

It seems to be coming from only the left side.

Upon further inspection the sound happens from time to time when I let off the gas in a low gear such as second while hitting 3000 ~ RPM. So it may not be linked to just the steering.

willygoat

· #6 · Aug 27, 2014

Strange. I recently had a vibration when in low gear (2nd and 3rd mostly) and accelerating between 2500 and 3500 rpm. There was a low rattle/growl. I had the manual trans fluid flushed and topped off and it went away.

Oldvet

· #7 · Aug 27, 2014

These noises can be very deceiving and confusing. I would suggest having 1-2 people help you find the source --- someone in the car and also outside the car. Jacking the car up may also help , so you can see and hear what the problem may be. Sometimes sounds travel and the cause is different than what you first think. Also a good service department can help you , because they so many Mazda's and repeated problems. Be patient and try , with some help first. From your description at this point it could be a number of different possibilities.

FitzSens

Discussion Starter · #8 · Sep 12, 2014

For future reference, it was the lower control arm.

Oldvet

· #9 · Sep 12, 2014

OK Good

FitzSens said:
For future reference, it was the lower control arm.

How did you find this out--- you know yourself or dealer-- just curious. Thanks Oldet

FitzSens

Discussion Starter · #10 · Sep 13, 2014

Oldvet said:
How did you find this out--- you know yourself or dealer-- just curious. Thanks Oldet

Took it to a Mechanic I trust. Figured that was easier then going through the motions myself.

Thanks for the advice in your previous post. Very helpful.

Kiera820

· #11 · Jan 5, 2015

wich one, front lower arm or rear? there is two!

Drizzoh

· #12 · Jan 5, 2015

Kiera820 said:
wich one, front lower arm or rear? there is two!

Probably the front lower front, it has a much higher fail rate than the front lower rear.

audiofreak19

· #13 · Jan 8, 2015

Yea mine is doing this too. Mine is on the pass front side and after doing my oil change it looks like the strut was seeping some oil. So that's probably my culprit. Well time for some coil overs lol

Nprguymc

· #14 · Jan 8, 2015

don't know if this is totally related but from what i understand they all have this issue, it's the lubricant isn't viscous enough, it only does it when it's cold, the original owner told me it did it since the winter he bought it and not to worry 0

FitzSens

Discussion Starter · #15 · Jan 22, 2015

Drizzoh said:
Probably the front lower front, it has a much higher fail rate than the front lower rear.

That's correct, it was the front lower front.

jelifermaniago

· #16 · 15 d ago

FitzSens said:
For future reference, it was the lower control arm.

Did you replace them?

superj

· #17 · 15 d ago

i guess this will be the first part i check on my 05 as it creaks and groans on slow speed turns, like in the parking lot

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