Clicking noise when turning

[golfhack5]

Hi guys...long time lurker but 1st time poster. Yay for me (sarcasm)

Anywhoo...I've searched around quite a bit and haven't really found the answer I'm looking for.

Over the last 3 months I have gone through and replaced EVERYTHING in the front end trying to chase down a nasty vibration. Wheel hubs, tie rod ends, sway bar end links, lower and upper ball joints, new tires (old ones had 60k so they were in need of replacement anyways), even sway bar bushings. The only thing I have not replaced are the struts/mounts.

Now I still have the vibration and have developed a very pronounced "clicking" noise when turning the steering wheel in either direction to about 3/4 lock. Once I get to that point in the steering I can reproduce the sound easily by moving the steering wheel back and forth about 1/8th of a turn. Everything I've read says one or more of the front suspension components is toast (likely ball joint) but I find that hard to believe since everything is literally brand new. Any ideas?

I also have a creaking sound when going over bumps. I thought it may be the sway bar bushings had come loose but I retorqued those and the noise is still there. I can reproduce the noise by bouncing on the front end. Could worn struts or springs cause this kind of noise?

02 LS V8 with 135k on the clock...

Thanks in advance for any suggestions! :wrench

 

[golfhack5]

And I've lied already...I apparently have posted twice before

 

[golfhack5]

Bump

 

[bearsfan39]

there was a thread on this not too long ago

since you don't know how to search i'll find it for you

 

[bearsfan39]

its not the exact same but it might help

http://www.lincolnvscadillac.com/showthread.php?t=65616&highlight=clicking

 

[golfhack5]

I do in fact know how to search but did not read that thread because of the title....

"Popping and Clicking when braking?" is not what my car is doing.

However, there seems to be some good information in that thread, so thank you for reply. From now on I will read everything thread regardless of whether or not the title applies to my problem.

 

[tireman]

yes and yes

worn struts and springs can cause your problem. I had that same strange clicking when I turned the steering wheel. Put on a new set of tires at the proper pressure and the clicking went away?!?!??!?!??!

 

[golfhack5]

Interesting tireman...I just put on new tires and still have the problem so I don't think that is it. I ordered new struts today so I'll report back when I get them installed. Thanks for the advice!