Creecking noise from steering or frame?

overtureZ

Just recently I started getting this like either body creaking noise or maybe a steering/suspension noise when I take a turn on a different elevation surface. I can even sit still now and slowly spin my wheels from one side to the other ad hear the creaking noise.

It's almost like a bad ball joint noise.

Any ideas?? Thanks!

2012 Nissan 370Z MT

UPDATE:
Here is a video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA6upDDj0MQ

SouthArk370Z

That is normal tire scrub. Very common with wide tires, especially as the tires age and get harder.

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stansens

So in my experience I would say that your first thought might be correct. Ball joints can produce this noise. A thorough check of the suspension and various links should reveal the problem. Also this is good preventative maintenance that can avoid catastrophic failures ensuring your safety.
Good luck.

overtureZ

I'm not talknig about the scrub from the rubber on the pavement, I mean its a popping/creeck noise that sounds like its coming from the frame or suspension/steering.

overtureZ

Update!! Added a video for the sound!!

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JARblue

That sure sounds like the noise tires make on my garage floor when turning the wheel while stationary. Except that it happens all the way through the wheel turn ... your noise only happens during a portion of the turn.

Get someone else to turn the wheel while you try to identify exactly where the noise is coming from. A cheap mechanic stethoscope can be made from a rolled up piece of paper or empty paper towel roll. If you can easily put it up on jack stands or a lift, you might try and see if makes the same noise with the front wheels off the ground. Or a competent mechanic should be able to diagnose it with too much trouble or cost.

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SouthArk370Z

Turning the wheels when stopped puts a lot of extra stress on the steering. Avoid it when possible.

Sounds to me like something needs a shot of grease. Possibly the steering shaft binding in a support. Get a helper, pop the hood, see if one of you can locate source while the other turns wheel. A mechanic's stethoscope or a paper towel roll can help pinpoint source. Watch out for moving parts when your working under the hood with engine running.

It doesn't sound serious but it's difficult to tell a lot from a cell phone recording.


Edit: I still think the problem is related to tire scrub. Something else (binding part?) is amplifying the effect. Most cars, especially those with wider tires, are going to make thumping/clunking/etc noises when you turn the wheels when stopped. Yours does seem a little more pronounced then usual.

__________________
Steering Lock Links - Search The370Z Bookmarklet - FSM @ NICOclub
Mankind has progressed past the need for war but we haven't evolved that far. - NachoMahma

overtureZ

Thank you both for the help, I plan on lifting it up Thursday to take a closer look myself, I plan on greasing several points, checking the tie rod ends, and I'll even use a paper towel roll lol!

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dshaw340

I read your post albeit it is seven years old and you probably have a different car but although the audio clip was no longer in the post I am certain your description is exactly what I am experiencing. I was hoping you came up with the solution. I don't want to start throwing money at it as I just had the clutch replaced at Nissan, chaching. The noise seems to be equally coming from both sides and only when the car is on the ground. I had my wife turn the wheel while I listened. So, in thinking it might be the steering rack I jacked it up, took the wheels and outer tie rods off. Nothing was wobbling and the rack seemed to move with the right amount of effort. The gear part of the rack was nicely greased and clean. I didn't see any grease on the passenger side of the rack but of course the gear isn't cut that far over on the rack. What makes the most sense to me is that when loaded, the upper and lower ball joints carry the weight of the car, and more so the lower one and if one of them is worn I could see (hear) that popping sound happening. But again, the sound seems to be equal in volume from both wheel wells and so I find it hard to believe the ball joints on both side would fail at the same time.