Really loud creaking noise from front end.

[nabsie]

Slowly getting all these issues sorted out on this most recent purchase of mine. 90 SWB Pajero.

I was off road over the weekend and notice a really loud creaking noise from what seems to be the front right.

It only happens while turning, either left or right but I have noticed it more while turning right. Also only happens while the suspension is under load. like driving up a driveway at fulllock. I was driving through a dip on the side of a fire trail while turning right when I was off road over the weekend.

I am thinking either upper or lower control arm bushes have drired out and now dead possibly going metal to metal most likely or ball joints but given that the noise occurs twice (once on the way up and once on the way down in the suspension movement) I figured control arms.

Any help as to what this might be would be great.

[DocNJ]

If it's when on full lock only could just be the steering stops(not sure of proper name) rubbing. When turning and driving over bumps/driveways try with the wheel at "not quite full lock" ie turn steering wheel until it stops then turn back a fraction.

[bige]

sounds like the steering lock stops are dry
look at the lower control arms in front of the balljoints
you will see the lock stops , if dry put a dab of grease on them

[nabsie]

Had a look under the front end this morning and looks like it is the steering lock stops as you say.

The rubber that is normally on there is completely gone on both sides and the right hand side bolt is worn to a 30 degree angle from going metal on metal.

Put a lump of all purpose grease on them, see how it goes. Seemed good pulling out from the driveway this morning.

Thanks for the help.

[ngwagon]

mine had the same prob till i put some grease on the stops and now all good...

[nabsie]

I got to thinking about the old rubber caps because apparently you cant buy them from Mitsubishi anymore.

What about some chair leg ends? You know those little rubber or urethane caps they put on to stop them marking or digging in to the floor.

They would need to be pretty hard so they dont rip apart first contact but I have seen these at Bunnings for cheap.

[Stevie-Ray]

Chair leg feet may not last...

I got to thinking about the old rubber caps because apparently you cant buy them from Mitsubishi anymore.

What about some chair leg ends? You know those little rubber or urethane caps they put on to stop them marking or digging in to the floor.

They would need to be pretty hard so they dont rip apart first contact but I have seen these at Bunnings for cheap.

Some vehicles use what looks like teflon or nylon caps over the stops, but abrasive material still wears them & they fall off, so a softer material like rubber probably wont last.
I'm thinking of asking the tyre guy who does my wheel-alignment whether they have something.
One source of suspension noise can also be sway-bar rubbers deteriorating, resulting in metal -on-metal, so I check those every so often.

Cheers

[91Tourer]

My old girl has the same deal with the steering stops and i do the same as everyone else and add a bit of grease from time to time

[1800amix]

I have a similar noise although it happens when I start moving forward or from the inertia of a gear change when towing the boat. Like a heavy clunking sort of noise. Sound seems to be front left. I've had the ball joint replaced on that side. If anyone has any ideas that would be great.

Sorry for the slight post hijack.

[THE BRONZE]

had it...fixed it

Mitsui bump stops, genuiune (think there is one too many u's in there) bottoms $28.00 kit
top...wait for it, out of Japan for $10.00 each....oh yea

sway bushes kit for the front as they were shagged out...$38.00 for noathalane 8 in a pk

coat of black licky on sway bar and front bash plate.


looks the ducks nuts

no more yucky sounds!!

[Stevie-Ray]

Sounds like a CV-joint...

I have a similar noise although it happens when I start moving forward or from the inertia of a gear change when towing the boat. Like a heavy clunking sort of noise. Sound seems to be front left. I've had the ball joint replaced on that side. If anyone has any ideas that would be great.

Sorry for the slight post hijack.

Could be outer or inner Constant-velocity-joint, but I reckon if one is on the way out, the others aren't far behind so replace whole drive-shaft or both shafts!
I've bought some completely rebuild units for a good price from these guys;

http://stores.ebay.com.au/suzukisuper

Cheers

[Blue Paj]

i would have said the cv is stuffed or on its way out as mine does the same and the cvs are worn