What's this sound? (with video)

[Nightfever]

YouTube - dsm sound


I heard this sound couple years ago and I went out to check if something was stuck underneath it. It lasted for a couple of hours. It's back now and won't go away. Everytime I steer the wheel it creaks, like two metal pieces scraping each other. It's coming from the driver side wheel area.

It doesn't make this sound when the car is jacked up.

Any ideas?


Thanks.

 

[wondersb]

jack the car up and put boards under the wheels so the weight is on the wheels but you still fit under to find the noise.

 

[#40Fan]

Sounds like a lower ball joint. Mine just started this the other day too. Haven't bothered to fix it yet because I have been driving my Jeep.

It could be something else like the strut bushing. I would have someone turn the wheel for you and make sure it is coming from the bottom or top. That would help to diagnose it.

 

[#40Fan]

There is a simple way to check your ball joint. You need to place the jack under the control arm as close to the tire as possible and lift the tire off of the ground an inch and a half. Then put a prybar under the tire and gently pry up on the tire. If you hear it clunk it is really bad. Might have to have someone pry while you watch the ball joint for movement.

 

[i_nick_2005_i]

+1 ^, but my ball joint started making a loud squeaking sound before I replaced it. Were there any "pre-cursers" to this obsene crazy sound...? Usually if something is failing or wearing to the point of breaking (or this sound) there are some earlier clues.....

Edit: My control arm/ball joint had a torn boot, also. So that may have caused the squeaking.

 

[urmomsaniceguy]

i 2nd that. but i would also suggest checking your lower control bushing. (the straight one)

 

[Nightfever]

Yep, it's the lower control arm and the ball joint had a lot of play. Would I need an alignment after it's installed?

 

[nosdsm3]

Any time you do work on your suspension you should get it aligned. You can get away with it but your tires may pay the price.