What does it mean when your steering squeaks at low speeds...

[Howard]

but only when turning left, or returning to center from left?

 

[thomsbrain]

like a high-pitch squeak, or a groan?

only when you move it?

 

[Howard]

I dunno, the regular bad power steering noise?

Only when I turn the wheel. It makes the noise when I turn sharper and also when the wheel returns to center on that side.

 

[kalrith]

Have you checked the power-steering fluid? If not, definitely check that first. Brakes could also be the culprit if they're in need of replacement or out of alignment. I had a time when my brakes would squeak whenever I was driving under 20mph. Once I got over 20mph, the squeaking would stop.

 

[Howard]

No, I don't think it's the brakes because it doesn't happen when I'm driving in a straight line.

 

[AMCRambler]

Does it squeak only as you are turning the wheel? Or is it a continues squeak when you've got the wheel turned and hold it there?

If it occurs as you turn the wheel it could be the upper strut mount bearing or the ball joint. If it's more of a squeaking/squealing that could be the power steering pump belt slipping and would probably continue as you held the wheel in the turned position.

If it's a creak/groan or popping noise I've heard those on my cars from bad tie rod ends and the stabilizer bar bushings.

 

[Howard]

No, it's not a groan or bassy note, and no pops. It doesn't make any noise when the wheel is held in position.

 

[Howard]

Turns out that it actually makes the noise when turning left even when the wheels are pointed rightward (i.e. returning to center from right). So, that means that the only time that the steering DOESN'T make noise when actively being used at low speeds is turning toward the right. However, it seems to me that returning to center from right rarely makes noise.

 

[Throckmorton]

I think you already diagnosed it yourself, power steering. Check the fluid.

 

[Howard]

So just replace it?

 

[exdeath]

Check the fluid level and check it for air bubbles. If it's hydraulic related and it's only noisy turning to one side, it could be the valve in the rack itself. The pump can get really noisy when there are air bubbles entering the fluid, and anything that causes it to only happen to one particular side is going to be the rack itself. Check the rack for leaks, particularly around the input shaft.

Other sources of noise like squeaks and pops can come from mechanical sources: steering rack bushings, inner and outer tie rod ends, struts, and strut mounts and spring perch bearings if present.