DoubleB

A lot of posts have been asking what the screeching noise coming from their front ends. Some say the steering rack, some say the sway bar attachment points but most suggested tie rod problems.

All you have to do is, jack up the side of car in question and shake the wheel. Listen for screaching, squeaking, right from the tie rod end. Plus, you will actually see and feel play if it is shot. Mine was.

All I did was squeeze some Teflon Bike lube into the rubber seal where the Tie Rod pivots and voila!...the noise(very emabrraassing noise that is) was gone.

Now this is just a temporary fix to quiet the noise...but it also tells me exactly where it is coming from. We'll see how much time it buys me.

BB

Jmacs4.2

Thanks..I'll give that a try.

meq123

Don't jack the car, just have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth (engine off) while you look/listen at the tie-rod ends. They are easily visible above the wheels and you should be able to hear noise and/or see abnormal movement (the wheel and the tie rod arm should move as a 'solid' unit - no independant movement or 'clicks').

If you can't see anything and still suspect, put your hand on the joint, forefinger lying along the tie rod arm and thumb below the tie rod joint. You'll be able to feel abnormal movement before you can see it (be especially sure to have the engine OFF if you do this!)

You can also see the upper control arm bushings this way in case they're the culprit. Lower arms are a bit more hidden, but still feel-able.