I have a 2002 Dodge Stratus Sedan, 2.7L, with about 90K miles. Recently noticed a very loud noise when turning left or right. Sounds like opening a door with rusty hinges.

Oddly enough the noise doesn't occur when the car is first started. Also if I turn the wheels all the way to the left and then right , the noise reduces significantly. The noise seems to be coming from the LH (driver's) side.. like at my feet when I am behind the wheel.

I am starting to believe that the noise is due to the power steering pump failing and cavitating. I don't notice any issues with the steering other than the noise. I'm hoping its not a steering rack which is much more expensive and difficult to replace.

Does anyone out there have similar experience with this issue? Thanks!

 

The creeking sound maybe the lower ball joints or the inner tie rod ball of the rack n pinion.

 

Thanks... I got under the car today and had my daughter turn the wheels back and forth. Appears the culprit is a bad lower ball joint. Boot is torn and noise seems to be coming from the joint.