Got a 98 Ws6 w/ 37K on it.

The steering makes weird creaking noises when low speed turning.

When stopped, its very loud.

Wondering if there are any common problems to look for.

Thanks.

Ryan.

 

I am pulling the rack off of my 99ws6 to install a manual rack this weekend. If you need a rack I'd sell you my stock one for $100 shipped.

 

Verify that the noise is the rack and not tie rod ends, etc. The size of the tires on our cars places a large load on the steering gear and parts while turning and if the car is sitting still it is much worse (think of truning a car with manual stering in a parking lot while sitting still, and then moving.....). It could be tie rods, etc. Most steering racks have a tube between both "bellows" on the ends to equalize the air pressure when you turn the wheel (one side gets smaller, one side larger and it allows air to flow between sides) verify that the tube is not crushed or clogged (not having heard the noise, I'm just offering suggestions here). Is it noisy if you turn the wheel with the motor off (you may need to partially jack up the front to take some load off the wheels, and while it is up, start it and see if it is different running and not running). This should help you narrow down the noise...Good luck!!!!

 

Is it only during low speed left turns? My 98 SS does that, and I swear it sounds like something is rubbing. I haven't tried moving the wheel while parked.

 

only noticable when low speed, and stopped.

its not rubbing.

Ryan.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by AshSS:
<strong>Is it only during low speed left turns? My 98 SS does that, and I swear it sounds like something is rubbing. I haven't tried moving the wheel while parked.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">i too have just noticed that weird crunching sound that only happens when i turn left slow/moderately. it also makes the same sound when parked and not started. i just never noticed it before due to the loud music always playin. only thing i can think of doing is taking the SS to the dealership, but id rather not if its something that i can fix myself in reasonable time.

 

Is this sound different from the high-pitched squelling I am hearing from my power steerring pump?

I put in some STP and it is now less noisey but it still squeels sometimes especially when it is very cold - 20 degrees or so...

 

find all the alimites(sp?) and grease them all.

<img border="0" alt="[Fluffy]" title="" src="graemlins/fluffy.gif" />

 

I had a loud popping noise when turning my wheel at low speeds and stopped. It was both directions. I replaced my upper control arms and k-member and the noise went away bu now it slowly came back and is exactly the same as before. Is this what everyone else has? Any ideas?

 

I have the same noise !!! A loud popping noise . I got under the car and I can feel it in the rack when I have someone turn the wheel back and forth . How much does a new rack cost? Anyone else having this problem? Im 90% sure the rack is the problem .

 

ttt need help please

 

I too have the loud popping noise but it's coming from my lt1. I've had the problem for years and was never able to find out what it was...until recently. I took the car in for alignment but was told that it couldn't be done because the ball joints are bad. I haven't changed them yet but just letting you guys know it could also be your problem.

 

Im getting ready to swap alot of suspension parts . How much are ball joints?

 

Anyone ever use http://www.carsteering.com/ ??? They have the rack for 349.00 .

 

When we put LS1 brakes on my friends LT1, it was about $250 for all 4 balljoints from Napa (for the good ones, not the cheapies). YOu will need a balljoint press to install the lowers (I own one and it was still tricky, the A-arm is at an angle where the press sits) and you need to drill out the top ones (keep the drill centered, that can be fun as well). Good luck!

 

To update my original post.

Rack was replaced by GM at 22K

Went bad at 37K making noise. (when i posted this thread)

Continued to drive for a while, finally got used rack for $45 locally.

normally they sell for $100 used. Installed it one weekend, and has been perfect ever since. Solved all of the noise. Balljoints were fine on my vehicle.

Ryan