Hello again!

I've started to notice a creaking sound coming from the front left wheel. Whenever I turn the steering wheel, I get the noise, although it's more pronounced when turning the front wheels to the left of center.

I'm a complete novice when it comes to steering systems, but I'm guessing that it's a ball joint somewhere on the left side axle assembly. Any suggestions on where and how to check this? I'm hearing no unusual noises while driving straight (the guide rod mounts are still makin' noise; I need to replace them, but this is definitely different).

Thoughts or comments would be appreciated...thanks in advance!

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2001 VW Jetta TDI, 5 speed, daily driver
1991 Ford F-350, work in progress
1984 Ford F-250 4x4, 6.9l turbo diesel, 5 speed manual
Previous oilburners: 1980 IH Scout, 1984 E-350, 1985 M-B 300D, 1979 M-B 300SD, 1983 M-B 300D
Spark-free since 1999

If this noise can be made to happen when not going forward.. then have your girlfriend sit in the car and turn the wheel while you are up under the front end.... it may be obvious... or you may have to use a stethescope placed on various spots to isolate it....
If you have a ball joint that is so far gone that it squeaks you must replace it immediately for your safety.... and others driving towards you on the other side of the street....

Creaking can also be caused by a bad guide rod mount.

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Never a dull moment at Berry Hill Farm.

How does the ball joint look? Craked boot? Even if it looks good it can be shot.

It is best to isolate the noise before you just start replaceing. That said, this is very difficult to do without two people and a stethascope. All of my MB's have needed balljoints whenever I heard a creak from the front - including my 123.

The balljoints lasted about 140K on my 123, 160K on my 124, and 70K on my 210...

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1996 (W210) E300D 86K - Traded in for a Lexus
1992 (W124) 300D 2.5 Turbo 202K - Sold
1983 (W123) 300D, 146K - Sold
1970 280S, 263K - Sold - Beginning of addiction