Thread: Creaking Popping noise from front end.

Mine seems to directly coincide with steering so I would guess that it's steering related...which would explain why new axles, sway bars etc. doesn't address it . This would be my first forray into steering world so I'd like to know where to start before I start unbolting stuff.

I have the same issue with Miss Lisa's GTP.It is a 99 model.Last week I had it on our new lift while doing a pad replacement and myself along with our top 2 mechainics could not find any problems.It could possibly be worn sway bar bushings.

I have the same problem. I am very confident that it is the lower control arm bushings. The rubber warps/ wears out/ goes to crap and it is initially hard to see when inspecting the front end. The bolt that holds the bushings in place hits the subframe of the car and makes that awful noise. An experienced mechanic at a shop my family goes to missed this as being a problem- after he already replaced an outer tie rod and did an alignment. From what I have gathered online the fix options are
1. buy a two piece lower control arm bushing by MOOG for about 40 bucks a side- ease of placing new bushings without having to use a ton of lube and a ton of pressure
2. buy a performance control arm (also made by MOOG??) that has the steering nuckle attached with a welded connection- about 130 bucks a side online
3. buy the old school bushings at NAPA or any other auto store for less than 18 bucks a side
I went with option 3 and am thinking of installing (or trying to install) the bushings myself.
My problem is I cant think of any way to remove & replace the bushings without disconnecting the tie rod, abs sensor, sway bar, knuckle, basically most of the front suspension. Also if I mess around with all of the front end members I will have to get another alignment.
If anyone knows of a clever way to do the bushings themselves without moving everything else PLEASE post how.

Thanks for the reply, I'm going to look at the bushings closer.

As for tearing apart all of the front suspension to access the control arm bushing...I've had my control arm off a few times. Just undo the the sway bar link (no need to remove the bar) undo the ball joint nut, separate the ball joint (be careful not to damage the ball joint grease boot when separating it !), undo the the control arm to subframe nut/bolts and it's off.

Not sure if an alignment is necessary or not. I'm sure there are those who would say yes some who would say no.