Steering noise help

[Cesarlcase]

Looking for some input before I order some parts. So I have a 98 GSX and literally about an hour ago I made a turn at a light and I just heard this horrible screech/kind of dragged out squeak sound. Seems like its coming from the middle/passenger side of the vehicle. Power steering belt is on, but power steering resovoir completely empty. Wheel is noticeably stiffer and doesn't return like it should. With the car idling (or off),level road and in neutral, the sound remains the same when the steering wheel is rotated completely left or right through the whole motion. I filled resovoir with p.s fluid, but didn't "bleed" it like I shouldn't until tomorrow morning. I'm thinking Rack & pinion. Ball joints were checked, front right and left tie rods changed/right axle changed as well. I hope this is enough info for a possible diagnosis. Thanks guys.

 

[jimsgsx]

I think you answered your own question. Bleed it and come back with your results. A new belt and proper tightening can help too.

 

[Cesarlcase]

Belt tension is fine. Bled the power steering, still same. I noticed when I lifted the car up and put it back down, the car stopped making the noise for a few yards before it came back. If you think of a teacher scratching a nail across the chalk board, this is what is sounds like and its extremely audible. More insight is appreciated.

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

Your pump could be toast running dry. Also as suggested, check your belt. Even a properly tensioned belt can squeal if it is old. You will want to look fro glazing and cracks/separations on the rib side. You will want about a 1/4in deflection on the new belt when installed.

 

[Cesarlcase]

100% the sound is not coming from the belt. It's coming from passagner/middle of vehicle. It sounds metallic almost. I've never uploaded a video on here, so I'll try to morrow. But I'm at a lost.

 

[2gmitsueclipse]

There is not much that makes that sound on the passenger side. Is the sound constant? Does it go away when you do something in particular?

 

[Cesarlcase]

I'm assuming we aren't allowed to post hyperlinks on the forums? None the less, I found a video of the exact horrible sound I'm having. If you care to check, Google search:BALL JOINT NOISE!!! First video.

Just confused as two mechanics said its not ball joints.

 

[pauleyman]

If it will do it with even a slight turn of the wheel sitting still then remove the belt andctest to rule out power steering. If it does it then id say suspension per that video. if it quits then it must be in steering. Big clue is that resovoir is dry.

 

[Cesarlcase]

Thanks pauleyman. Such a obvious way to isolate the problem and completely overlooked. I will do that tomorrow and report my finding.

 

[Cesarlcase]

Today, 10 degress out jacked up the front end and sprayed the ball joint with grease. Sound completely gone and boot had some good damage to it. Replacing it and will report back, but its evident based off the test that its the source of the problem. The video is 100% accurate in terms of sound, so anyone who reads this and is wondering what it is, its the ball joint! I was thinking it had to do with my coilovers for a second. I will be replacing all the ball joints and get this thing running right. Appreciate everyone's help BTW.