Big1000

Ever since I bought my 1997 civic the steering wheel creaks when I turn. Sounds like it could be rubbing also. Ive been through the ball joints and tie rod ends in the front, replaced power steering etc. my friend has the same car and my wheel is slightly harder to turn. Kid who owned it before me curbed the car on the driver side wheel and had to replace lower control arm. Could the steering column be bent maybe? I have no idea

muellersfan

Low PS fluid in reservoir?

Big1000

mk378

Is the noise from inside or outside the car? Have someone else turn the wheel while you listen.

muellersfan

Is the creaking noise coming from the PS pump, the rack, or elsewhere?

Big1000

it sounds like its coming right from the steering wheel.

the front suspension seems pretty tight, I've had ps filter clogged on my tacoma before and its definitely not ps whine from the pump. the creaking literally sounds like its coming from the column, right behind the wheel

muellersfan

Not down low at the steering joint? Higher?

Remove the steering wheel and turn the wheels by hand to pinpoint.

Big1000

so I had the front wheels off today to do an alignment. I was suspect that the creaking was coming from the kid who owned the car before me who curbed the front left wheel. I noticed with the front wheels off the ground that the steering wheel was harder to turn once it made its way to the left side. not sure why. I inspected the universal joint that goes through the firewall and it looked good. I cracked both of the bolts that hold it in place to ease up any potential tension that was on the column from the accident. no more creaking at the wheel. not sure if it is because of the alignment or what but it seems to be gone?? problem solved I guess

muellersfan

Big1000

Creaking is back grrrr

Freedo_Civegra