need help with noise
 

in the left front of my 87 300D--occurs when I make a hard turn as in turn the wheel sharp. Sounds like rubber rubbing against rubber. I have looked for tire clearance issues and found nothing rubbing. There's no free play in the wheel bearings or ball joints that I can tell. The struts are worn out and I am about to replace them . I have done a search but it was no help--car has 159k noise just started today when making a hard left turn into a driveway. It will make the noise sittig still if you turn the wheel sharply
thanks in advance for any help
joel

First I would check the power steering fluid level and the belts.

power steering fluid is at proper level
joel

If you can reproduce the noise with the car standing still it must be relatively easy to find.
Have someone turn the wheel while you are listening, preferably with a car stethoscope. Be careful not to stick your head or any other body part under the car while it is running. It can be a the steering pump, ball joint or any other suspension part. Checking play by hand is generally not enough, the ball joints of the suspension are under great pressure and can be completely worn before you can feel the play.

if your
 

ball joints are dry they will groan when you turn the wheels. if that is the case i would get a needle for my grease gun and shoot some grease into the boots.

tom w

Will it make the noise turning the wheel with the engine off? If so, you can eliminate power steering issues, as well as hear and localize the sound easier.

Steve

thanks for suggestion I will try with engine off
Joel

joel

Try shaking the front tires at the top and listen for a rocking sound. I am wondering if your wheel bearings are either out of adjustment or shot.

Keep us posted,

Haasman