Creaking from steering when cold

Does your 480 have tracking-problems? Does your car pull to one side? Or is your steering wheel vibrating? Read the posts in this category to find out what's going on.

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Ben Harris
480 Is my middle name
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Creaking from steering when cold

Post by Ben Harris » Fri Jan 16, 2004 6:26 pm

Well, as the discussion's been pretty quiet around here recently, I thought I'd ask a question..... :D

For a while now I've noticed that my '89ES has developed a loud creaking sounds from the steering whenever I first start driving it from cold. Where I park, when I go to pull away, I go straight forwards for about 20 meters, and then turn right at a T-junction. This is typically when I get the creaking sound. Any other corners after this one, and she's fine. Also, this is only when she's cold (engine wise, not temperature wise).

I've got some initial thoughts about possible causes, but wondered if anyone else had any oppinions.

1- Firstly, she's been lowered (8 months ago), and this noise has developed since having that done, although not straight away.
2- New shock absorbers were fitted when the lowering springs were fitted, so I know they're OK.
3- Could the bushes on the front suspension, (that are most likely 15 years old), have been wearing out, and the lowering has changed the angle that they'd naturally be sitting in, and made them wear differently/quicker?
4- When the new springs/shocks were fitted, I tried to replace the top suspension mounts, but couldn't as (according to Volvo) the machine that makes them had broken at the time, and Volvo couldn't supply one side. So... the original ones went back on as I had no other choice. I do now have the replacements waiting to be fitted, but haven't got round to it yet. I seem to remember that the bottom shock mounts may not have been in the best condition either.

Go on then.... if you had to place your money on an option, which one would it be? ... or suggest any alternatives! :D

Ben.

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dragon
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Post by dragon » Sat Jan 17, 2004 1:04 am

I vote 3 - one or more bushes "settle" whilst the car idles the night away, then your first cornering shift them slightly back to where they should be.


Thats my cider induced thought, might change in the morning though ;)
Cheers! [img]http://www.dragons.org.uk/images/guin.gif[/img]

Gaz Wilson


1997 V70R AWD in Saffron, RICA 580, hot hot HOT!
1995 480 Turbo, Flame Red Metallic/Jacquard-Leather
1993 480 turbo, Vase Green Metallic/Jacquard-Leather
1995 Range Rover 4.6 HSE V8 - Full leather and more!
http://volvo480.northernscum.org.uk <--- Full spec!

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pol
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Post by pol » Sat Jan 17, 2004 4:43 am

Bet i've had mor cider than yooooo!!!!

Anyway.. On other carsi've had, creaky stearing has been the cause of rubber seals / bushes on the col... wd40 either side of the rubber bush has done the trick in the past.

Zyder iz dirrteee..

pol

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dragon
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Post by dragon » Sat Jan 17, 2004 11:54 pm

alcoholic side discussion moved to new topic in the wategate ;)
Cheers! [img]http://www.dragons.org.uk/images/guin.gif[/img]

Gaz Wilson


1997 V70R AWD in Saffron, RICA 580, hot hot HOT!
1995 480 Turbo, Flame Red Metallic/Jacquard-Leather
1993 480 turbo, Vase Green Metallic/Jacquard-Leather
1995 Range Rover 4.6 HSE V8 - Full leather and more!
http://volvo480.northernscum.org.uk <--- Full spec!

Got horses? - [url=http://www.horse-teeth.co.uk][img]http://www.northernscum.org.uk/avatars/ggedt_anim.gif[/img][/url]

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