strut noise?

[joeb]

chasing many little things on car. am on 2nd pwr steering pump trying to get rid of whine. now i have an odd noise when i turn wheel. its only from dead center to slightly off center turning left. makes a scrunch/grind sound from drivers side strut area. yes it could be the rack but when i turn the wheel right, it is silent. only thing it might be is strut mount or maybe ball joint? if i rock wheel slightly when car is stopped, i can hear crunch-crunch-crunch sound. i did put on pass side inner tierod last week but that is easy. nothing can rub on rack bellows. i suppose i could stick my head inside wheel area and have helper turn wheel?

[JimD]

....only thing it might be is strut mount or maybe ball joint? if i rock wheel slightly when car is stopped, i can hear crunch-crunch-crunch sound.

Maybe not the only thing but the strut mount is high on the list of suspects.

Have someone rock the steering wheel while you place your hand on the top of the LH strut tower. A failed strut mount (thrust bearing) can be felt. Do the same on the RH strut tower for a comparison.

[BodybyFisher]

Ditto what Jim said Joe

[MAC]

Two things to check:

1. Lower Control Arm bushings; and

2. Engine Cradle bushings and mounts. I suspect the '96 model will be similar to the 94. If so, check to see if mounts are loose or even missing, particularly the inner mounts at the rear of the cradle. Sometimes the cradle will rust and the inner rear mounts will literally pop out. If the cradle is rusting and bushings are deteriorated, you will likely hear odd sounds that are difficult to pin down. You may think it's the struts or even ball joints.

[joeb]

i turned steering wheel with motor off and strut squeaks/groans. i had the caliper off several weeks ago to check the wheel bearing. i torqued the caliper bolts but still get a click when i start/stop car. now i have this groan. i do not like it when sounds appear after you work on the car.