Popping/cracking sound from steering...?

[Nate047]

Hey guys, I have had an issue with a popping/cracking sound coming from my steering for some time now. This only occurs when the wheels are on the ground. I jacked up the car and had a look yesterday and I can't see anything obviously wrong underneath in the suspension or steering rack, nor did the sounds occur when I turned the wheels while up in the air.

Not really sure where to start since I don't "see" anything wrong. I did not check the power fluid steering level but the rack and reservoir were somewhat recently serviced(?) Does not appear to be leaking from what I can tell. LMK what you guys think.

Video with sound: https://flic.kr/p/2n2LqHv

[Thoglan]

My first thought is the spring binding in the top strut bearing when turning the wheel?

[BlAikenstein]

I think the usual suspect is the sway bar end links but mine makes the same noises and over bumps too and I’ve got GC end links, sway bars, new control arms and a bunch of other stuff. I picked up a ZHP rack but haven’t installed it yet.

[Nate047]

My first thought is the spring binding in the top strut bearing when turning the wheel?

I could see this being possible, spring could be moving around in there in theory. Not sure how to check this but maybe I can put a camera down there and test.

[Nate047]

I think the usual suspect is the sway bar end links but mine makes the same noises and over bumps too and I’ve got GC end links, sway bars, new control arms and a bunch of other stuff. I picked up a ZHP rack but haven’t installed it yet.

I have stock bars and links, stock everything in fact aside from Bilsteins and Eibach springs. My other car makes a ton of noises and this is not like the "normal" modified suspension noises, more like a something is moving that shouldn't be moving type of noise.

[Thoglan]

I could see this being possible, spring could be moving around in there in theory. Not sure how to check this but maybe I can put a camera down there and test.

Jack the car up, check the spring is properly seated in the tophat/bearing. Might even be worth pulling the struts and making sure the bearing moves freely. Are you on stock radial bearings?

[Nate047]

Jack the car up, check the spring is properly seated in the tophat/bearing. Might even be worth pulling the struts and making sure the bearing moves freely. Are you on stock radial bearings?

Will try this, the car has stock upper mounts. They were replaced a couple years ago when I put on the suspension.