i know there are some similar posts out there, but my case might be a little different.

basically i noticed this noise when i was parallel parking the other day.

the noise will come when my steering wheel is locked in either direction and it will come on about 2 seconds after it's locked. sounds like a mechanical clunking or creaking sound and the car vibrates a little and the rpms jump a bit. the car drives fine other than this. i do have 110k on my 04 and no mechanical problems yet and my a/c works great too (knock on wood). any ideas? cv joints? power steering pump? it kinda reminds me of my old 4runner when i lock the wheels in 4wd and it's a binding feeling when i turn on a dry road. thanks!

 

check ur power steering fluid level

 

Yea, PS fluid. That sound can be duplicated during the process of replacing the PS fluid.