Hey guys, my 91 Trans Am makes a nasty creaking/clunking noise when I have the steering wheel locked all the way in one direction when I'm moving slowly, like maneuvering into a parking spot. It's usually the worst when I'm creeping forward at a couple mph with the wheel turned all the way to the left, and the noise seems to come from the driver's side front wheel. It also creaks with the steering wheel turned all the way to the right with the pass. side front wheel making noise, but not as severely. There is no noise if the car is standing still and I turn the wheel lock-to-lock. And it still creaks in reverse, but not as bad as driving forward. Though when it creaks, I don't feel anything weird in the wheel.... it's just noise.

My front end is totally rebuilt, with a brand new center link, inner/outer tie rods, idler arm, ball joints, sway bar links, struts, and strut mounts. All of these parts have less than 1000 miles on them. I noticed that the car would make the same noise with its old parts but once I put in the new steering links, the noise stopped temporarily but gradually returned. Everything is greased properly and it handles fine on the road.... what gives? It's pretty embarrassing too since the noise is rather noticeable!

 

I found the following somewhere or other once upon a time:

Typically our cars don't like the above and they attempt to push forward as they turn--perhaps that's why the car seems to rise. Moreover, big tires added to the above often are responsible for tearing the steering box area (a Wonderbar will help to protect). At any rate, fairly normal at full lock, I think. Since you already have a Wonderbar, you're probably good; however, note the following from How to Tune and Modify your 1982-1998 Camaro by Jason Scott:

"The problem stems from high forces transmitted from the steering box to the chassis, especially under low-speed cornering, such as when maneuvering around a shopping mall parking lot. Fat performance tires present a great deal of resistance at low speeds, which imparts considerable stress into the steering system, and ultimately attempts to rip the steering box from its mounting surface--especially during "full-lock" turns, where steering torque is greatest. Over time, these forces weaken the chassis surface around the steering box and can result in torn metal.

"Whether the chassis is weakened or torn at the steering box, the result is the same--steering actions are delayed while the chassis flexes, leading to unresponsive and erratic steering. Ironically, though the damage stems from low-speed steering, the resulting problem is far more serious at high speeds than low ones.

"It is possible to repair the damaged area, though the best solution is to avoid the problem in the first place by installing a brace that reinforces the steering box mounting area."

At any rate, I try to avoid full lock.

JamesC

 

I actually don't have a Wonder bar, but I presume that it's a good investment. I think I might get one for $50 off of Summit Racing:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/BMR-CB002H/

And yeah I try to avoid full lock as well, then it makes zero noise. But these cars need the tiniest turning circle they can get, with that long front end parking can be a PITA sometimes! Especially considering that my TA is my daily driver. My 94 Jimmy is a dream to park compared to my TA lol.

 

DEFINITELY get that wonderbar! It helps, but you will still have noise in the front end, we all do. I have the wonderbar, all new bushings, all new tie rods and ball joints, bigger sway bar, and a strut tower brace, and I still get noises, especially when there's a hump or bump in the turn, or when exiting on a hill onto a flat surface while in a turn (or visa versa).