Creaking Noise When Turning

[flibble22]

Hi guys,

Over the past few months my 2002 Focus has developed a creaking noise that's seemingly coming from the front-end. It happens mainly while setting off and turning at the same time (I do a U-turn immediately when driving away, at home) but I can still hear it to a much lesser degree when driving normally, sub 20mph. It sounds horrendous when turning.

I did however, test a theory that something was dry. I set off about an hour after it rained and lo-and-behold, no creaking at all ! The only problem is I don't know what exactly it is, and I don't have the technical skill to solve this myself.

The best description I can think of is that it sounds like walking over old wooden floorboards, but it's much more of a rapid sound.

My brother is a mechanic however I have troubled him a lot recently with this car, and combined with his poor health, I don't want to bother him with something that clearly isn't dangerous, merely *very* annoying. So, I'd rather fix this myself, if possible. I know a good garage that won't attempt to rip me off though I'd like to know roughly what's wrong before going...

Thanks for any help! :D

[artscot79]

2 possibilities thats the track rod arms are worn or the suspension is in need of a grease up get a can of spray white grease and spray all the moving suspension parts such as the wishbone bushes and track rod ends its extremely common particularly when theres a mix of wet and hot humid weather i think the rubbers just dry out a bit

[stevebr]

Morning,

I've got this with my Focus as well.

Sounds to me like the rubbers are dry and need a greasing-I'll have a look at mine and report back.

Steve

[artscot79]

i grease mine every 6 months anyway but the mk1 did it and it was non existent after regular greasing its cheap so if it works heho

[flibble22]

Thanks for the responses guys - is the greasing something I can do myself or am I best taking it in to a garage where I assume it wouldn't cost much at all? I don't have a jack and I assume I would need that, at least...

[bt_cav]

I had the same problem, the ball joint gaiter had torn allowing the grease out and the rain in..... wearing out the ball joint

I replaced the arm today (1 of the bushes was totally destroyed also)

I found out the ball joint was making the noise by laying on the ground touching bottom of the ball joint and have someone gently bounce the car and I could feel the vibration while creeking was heard..