Hello, I'm not very technically minded when it comes to suspension/steering. Over the last few weeks, occasionally I was getting a creaking noise when turning left and right at low speeds. Also, a slight hollow sound from the suspension when I go over speed bumps. I checked the pas fluid and to be honest, it was a bit low, but no evidence of a leak. I topped it up. The steering is creaking most of the time now, I don't know if its coming from the steering shaft or the suspension. Many other forums talk about lubrication of suspension conponments, but could someone be specific and pretty much point to the parts that need lubricated? I think its something simple. I don't think its anything big like steering rack. Its 2011 mk 2.5. As I said its creaking from left to right at low speeds like parking. I never 'dry' steer. Any ideas anyone? Thanks. Jamie

Creaking could be due to Dry Lower Arm Bushes

Everyone Dry Steers

Jamie

Check the springs aren't broken then use white spray tease on the bushes the strut mount can also go as can the strut mount bearing causing the same symptoms

Hi.. I had the same symptoms with my 2010 tdci 1.6.. groaning and creaking. I Changed both strut top bearings ( around 30 quid the pair from ford) and everything was quiet and smooth again. Took less than 2 hours on the drive (there is a guide on here somewhere). Only special tool needed is a spring compressor (watch your fingers and eyes!) Regards, Martin. (ps I had done about 60000 when they started failing)

My main worry is the steering rack. Cos my last car, an astra, I got told from several different places I needed a new steering rack. But the steering is smooth in the focus just that blasted creaking noise. Had a look under the car today and all the rubbers/CV boots/gators etc actually looked ok. But I guess u can't tell unless the cars jacked up or on a ramp. I really want to turn the steering wheel from lock to lock without moving through the drivers window with the bonnet up etc to get a better listen but that's bad for the tyres and rack etc

The strut mount you can't see till the strut I removed in which case you're as well replacing the strut bearing anyway I had it same noise and that was the isdue

Thanks artscot that sounds like a plan. Its !Removed! annoying! From the pas fluid that I topped up I haven't lost any, been monitoring the level. Intact, pretty sure I got the car like that at just over a year old. Are ford scrimping on the fluids lol

Everyone Dry Steers

Only since PAS became standard lol, going back to non-PAS and trying to dry steer to park in tiny gaps wasn't happening haha. :D

Everyone dry steers ?? Really? Lol :)

I certainly do, get into the spaces that no-one else wants to attempt. :P

I've been doing it 5 years without killing steering components... Try a non-PAS car for a week and you'll probably find you do as well. :)

Lol I'm only 29 non pas cars were before my days :p Lol even my first car - w reg fiesta zetec 1.25 (sweet engine) panther black had pas. But I remember my mum having the same shape but before fiesta was facelifted in 99. It was a 96 N and it didn't have power steering. I had a shot (illegally) and wow it was tough lol

'Only' 29 is 6 years older than me, still had a couple of non-PAS cars haha. :D

OK thanks for the replies. Turns out it was the upper strut bearings. Well done artscot. Tool the car I'm yesterday and guess what the ford trained mechanic couldn't hear the noise. I must have brilliant hearing. Everything under the car was fine until he checked the strut bearings, they were excessively worn. They took 200 quid from me to do both sides, ouch, most of it was labour. The noise seems to be away and the steering feels better. But, there's also a slight sweat at the pas rack, not a leak, there's a difference as u know. Concerned, I asked to speak to the master mechanic who told me of a 4 year car its not unusual for there to be a slight sweat. He told me not to get a new rack - waste of money. He said you could get a new one fitted and it'd be doing the same in a year. Apparently, no matter what the leak, even under the 3 year warranty, as long as it is not actively dripping , they do not replace anything (ford bulletin) <<<< spelling? So sweats are apparently normal. What do u guys make of that? He did seem genuine enough. So basically my cars p.s fluid actually takes months, if not couple of years before it needs topped up. Surely that's not classed as a leak?