Car squeaking when I turn steering wheel

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Old 01-12-2012 | 06:06 PM
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fog80's Avatar
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Car squeaking when I turn steering wheel

Problem started when weather got colder. At first I noticed that my steering wheel isnt straightening itself out after a turn. Then I noticed a squeaking sound coming from the front wheels whenever I turn....and its only getting worse.

Power steering fluid levels are fine. What else could it be?
Old 01-13-2012 | 03:12 AM
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Your alignment might be out. I think it's caster, or something. Steering turn in.
Any idea where the noise is coming from? Have someone turn the wheel while you listen for where the noise is coming. A trick we use is to get a prybar or similar long piece of metal, touch different places on the car and hold it there while you put your ear on the other side. Like a stethoscope.
Try that.
Old 01-13-2012 | 11:37 AM
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Other posts that describe this problem are talking about the possibility of a bad ball joint. The car has 170K on it and I've never had that done before.

I'm going to try and replace the power steering fluid and see what happens, the color is pretty dark and thats another thing I've never changed out before.
Old 01-13-2012 | 08:49 PM
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Tomb Acura's Avatar
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Make sure the tires are properly inflated. Air contracts when cold, your pressure may be very low, stressing the entire steering gear.
Old 01-14-2012 | 03:01 AM
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UneekDevo's Avatar
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I had something like this and it was the upper ball joint.

I could easily tell when i stuck my hand in the wheel gap and held the upperball joint while a friend turned the wheel slowly. I felt the ball joint creaking as much as i could hear it.
Old 01-14-2012 | 09:23 AM
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You are best to determine exact souce of Squeak w Sethoscope.
Car can be jacked up and get friend to turn while u get under and listen.

FWIW - I had cold weather squeak creak in a previous that turned out to be in steering assembly and used powder graphite lube to reduce friction. WD 40 and Blue Silicone spray aslo worked but graphite worked better and longer.
Old 01-14-2012 | 06:48 PM
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I've had my squeaking car looked at by a Honda tech and he says the squeak is a lower ball joint. The ball joints can be now ordered as a separate part and so don't buy the whole knuckle.
Old 01-23-2012 | 03:31 PM
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my sound just went away one day and hasnt been back in over a week. The steering also feels smoother and more fluid.

wonder if its the ball joint or something with the power steering (pump, fluid etc).
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