Creaking/Groaning when turning?

[Dark_Rider2k3]

Hey guys, got a '99 Anniversary eclipse.

A few weeks back I slid on black ice and really screwed up the driver's side. They body/frame was fine, but I had to replace both control arms on that side, and outer tie rod.

Car felt great, but 2 days ago when putting my new tires on (Continental Pure Contacts), I noticed some play in the passenger side. I wasn't sure if it was the outer or inner tie rod, but since the outer tie rod boot was torn, I replaced it (alignment was done at the shop I work at right after). It is definitely the inner causing the play, though.

My problem is that yesterday and today I have noticed a lot of noise coming from the front suspension. When I turn the wheel you can hear a groaning/creaking sound. I live in PA and it's definitely cold out so I don't even know if that could be it, but last year I never heard this noise.

No leaks from anything (including power steering), and power steering fluid is good.

Is this something to be concerned with? What do you guys think it could be? Tips to "stop" the noise?

Thanks guys for the help!!!!

 

[farmer890]

I would check the passenger side lower ball joint, I had the same symptoms (sounded like an old mattress every time I turned the steering wheel in either direction) and replacing the ball joint made the noise go away. You may just need to grease it up.

 

[Dark_Rider2k3]

So you think it's just a coincidence? Would be my luck haha.. I can't win with the car this winter! It's an awesome car but it's kicking my butt this winter!!

 

[born2race]

Agreed, check lower balljoint. There was actually a recall on lower balljoints on 2g's, my car had the same symptoms before I got the recall done. I'd start there first.

 

[so slow 420]

My 420 a eclipse on passenger side when I rock tire back n forth I hear a clunking noise and the lower control arm curved one moves

 

[Jerermy Baumgardner]

When installing the control arms were the bolts tightened at ride height or with the suspension extended. If the weight is not on the suspension when you tighten the bolts you can bind up the bushings causing a squeak or other noise. This also will affect handling and alignment due to the suspension not settling in at ride height.

 

[so slow 420]

That I dont no I bought the car used I ordered a lower control arm mechanic said he would install for $40 but I tap the brakes quick I hear a clunking sound on passenger side and over bumps

 

[Jerermy Baumgardner]

I have seen this if the pads are loose in the bracket caused by missing hardware where the pads slide. Also could be upper control arm bushings, upper ball joint, or just a loose bolt.

 

[so slow 420]

I just need to b safe driving I a 400 mile road trip I did notice the lower ball joint moves in the spindal I took the nut off to see if the ball joint would spin it didnt so that a plus

 

[Jerermy Baumgardner]

The ball joint should not spin in the spindle. If the nut is tight the shaft of the ball joint is tapered as is the spindle it should seat into the spindle and have no play. If there is play either the hole in the spindle is wore or the shaft on the ball joint is.

 

[so slow 420]

I believe on our eclipses their was a recall on the lower control arms and mine have never been replaced that I can see so I should get the work for free

 

[DSM1G90]

Raise the front end in front with a floor jack to where the tires are barely off the ground.

Take a length of iron rod, or similar, pry the rod under the lower arm and lift up the end of the rod to where it begins to lift up on the lower arm.

You should have no play in that arm when lifting up with the rod. The arm should be pushing immediately against the wheel knuckle assembly.

If the arm lifts up before pushing up on the assembly, ball joint is shot and needs replaced....PRONTO !

If that ball joint suddenly fails, the knuckle assembly will collapse under the chassis, tears out the axle from the transmission, or destroys the CV joint next to the knuckle, and you're done.

-Good luck - DSM

 

[Dark_Rider2k3]

Pretty sure mine is a dry socket. Drove it a bit today and definitely driver's side where all my work was done. Going to put it on a lift tomorrow and see what's up..