2004 XC70 - Steering Creak!
 

Hi All,

I have a 2004 XC70 with about 113k on it. I bought it about 6 months ago with 98k for about $3800. I've put some (a lot) of money into the front suspension and I thought I was done, but in the warmer weather (could be a factor, but it started this month) I now have a creek at slow speeds like when I pull into a parking spot or turn a corner slowly. It's only activated when the steering wheel is in motion and I don't think its related to the power steering as I know what that sounds like.

Here's the work that has been put into the vehicle as far as front suspension goes:

32k:

Stabilizer bar links
Strut mount (s)? (Carfax doesn't specify)

54k:

Inner tie rods
Left tie rod end

98k:

Lower ball joints
Lower control arms
Left CV shaft
Right CV shaft

107k:

Right tie rod end
Right front axle assembly

Any ideas as to what this could be?

Thank you!!

The steering column goes through the firewall/floor. There's a rubber seal which can take a shot of silicone spray (or some better suited lubricant).

This is only one suggestion. A recent thread on this subject (the seal itself) on another board brought this to mind.

Hi Georgeandkira,

Thank you for the reply! I think we read the same thread.. I hit it with a shot or two of white lithium a little while ago and it didn't seem to fix it unfortunately.

Thank you again!

Matt

If you can get the noise when the car is sitting still and the steering wheel moving get a helper to turn the wheel and start tracking the noise down.

Harder to do if the noise is only there with the car moving and the wheel turned.