Creaking when turning right - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

nathan.chase · 10-04-2007, 11:59 AM

Hi all,
My gf has a 1994 corolla DE and when you turn hard right and accelerate there is a creaking sounds much like bending metal sounds. I was thinking CV joints but it only happens when turning right and only when accelerating. I heard that the strut bearings are prone to go out on these models and that that could be the problem. Does any one know how to verify this diagnosis? All here boots and such looked fantastic so CV joint failure at 100K seems weird.

any other ideas I would great appreciate.

nate

***toyomoho*** · 10-04-2007, 01:07 PM

CV joint normally would make a clicking or popping noise when turning or accelerating. Does the noise occur when you are turning the steering wheel or as the car goes around the corner? Any noises when going over bumps?

Might be suspension or sway bar bushings or link, upper shock mount or tower. As you go around the corner the weight is being transferred resulting in one side of the cars suspension being loaded and the other side unloaded.

nathan.chase · 10-04-2007, 01:32 PM

the nose happens when the car is accelerating in a hard right turn. nothing when just standing still and moving the steering wheel. if accelerating gentally nothing really happens..

retiredat44 · 10-04-2007, 02:53 PM

do you have oversized tires on the car?, if so maybe they rub in the conditions you state...

Flashmn · 10-04-2007, 02:59 PM

^ I'm seconding on that.

nathan.chase · 10-04-2007, 04:15 PM

almost certain they are original size. what is standard for that model year?

broke · 10-04-2007, 08:42 PM

Make sure that the panels in your wheel well are still where they belong

nathan.chase · 10-04-2007, 10:26 PM

the wheel well is clear of the wheel and the wheel is not oversized. what still gets me is why the noise only happens when accelerating as opposed to turning when decelerating. decelerating would load up the front struts. Perhaps the bearing only creeks when it is separated under acceleration. or perhaps the bearing isn't the problem at all.

the things about ball bearings is that they should knock or make a thump when driving steadily and then steering hard left and right. this doesn't happen in the car. I thought CV joint because of accelerating being involved with the noise. What is the life of CV joints and axels on these cars?

Puffie40 · 10-05-2007, 04:18 PM

the standard tire size is 14" rims on the '93-'97.

The driveshafts should last a while, but will show signs when they are getting worn- mainly in vibration (VERY obvious at highway speeds). They will start making noises (a "Click" sound when accelerating) when they are worn right out. (Here's a thread describing the signs of a worn driveshaft)

I'm just poking at the dark here, but I'm guessing a driveshaft should last about 150,000-200,000 km (about 150,000 miles)

Jack the car up and get under the engine. Grab the driveshaft by the base of the inner CV boot. Try to move it to the front and back of the car. repeat the test with the outer CV joint. if there is any play in either joint, it needs to be replaced.

Now try moving the shaft sideways (In and out) it should move, but there should be no nasty sounds.

I would also check the piviots. jack the car up and try to wiggle the wheel. There should be no play. Check the steering-rods as well.

freakinbox · 10-07-2007, 04:31 AM

Just got home so I didn't bother to read everything else.

But creaking when turning could also be seizing ball joints or tie rods.

Bitter · 10-07-2007, 11:31 AM

bad motor mount can do that.

nathan.chase · 10-29-2007, 03:58 PM

I lifted the car and I found a few things.

1. when pushing the inner CV joint towards the back and the front of the car it had some play. => probably bad CV joint? right

2. when moving the wheel back and forth holding the sides of the wheel. there was some play from the wheel and the brake to the suspension. I don't know what that is all about? could that be an axel nut thats loose?

I am thinking the inner CV joint needs to be replaced what do you all think?
and does anyone have good write-ups on doing this? easy, hard, pay the mechanic?

thanks for your help

Puffie40 · 10-29-2007, 04:21 PM

Check the torquing of the nut. I had a problem that I believe stemmed from a driveshaft nut being fingertight, and wound up replacing the steering knuckle/wheel bearing assembly.

I would take the brake rotor off make sure the hub is not what's rocking.

Rebuilt driveshafts are available; about 50-100 bucks will get you one.

costadragon220 · 10-29-2007, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toyomoho

C? Any noises when going over bumps?

I get noises when I go over bumps,sounds like right driver side only though. Car also shakes a bit after 60mph, just got balanced & alignment 3k ago,still shaking. I just replaced my struts like 6k ago. Possibly strut mounts? Any other possibilites?

Sorry for thread jack

Puffie40 · 10-30-2007, 12:11 AM

costadragon220 - How are your driveshafts and axlenuts? Vibration can mean a combination of things: Worn out driveshafts, loose parts, sick wheel bearings and worn out ball joints (Both bottom and tie-rod) (BTW, replacing tie-rod balljoints are cheap. I got mine for $20 each (That is, if you want the cheap stuff))

have a buddy bounce the car while you look around. I would suspect the creaking would be involved with the springs...How is the nut on the strut? did you get a look at the spring boots when (And if) you had them apart?