I have a 99 dodge avenger es with a 2.5L v6 and automatic transmission. Everytime I turn the steering wheel it makes a creaking noise. It also makes a noise when hitting bumps. Not sure what it is though. A shock absorber, the strut, spring, anyone have this problem before?

 

Possible steering gear (rack) bushings?

 

check the suspension bushings
also ball joint see if they have a grease fitting if not
it might not have any grease in it and need to replace hole thing
get one with a grease fitting.

Have someone turn wheel back and forth and listen where sound comes
from.In Park of course.

 

could it be rack and pinion? That is what someone who heard it said that it could be.

 

could be
i had similar problem with my ford which are know for it
pre greased and sealed ball joint grease tends to ware out
or not enough installed at plant caused the creaking of an
old door opening in an old house. Check it out have some
one turn the wheel to the right left see if you can locate the sound listen in
the ares mentioned.

 

I have the same prolem in my 97 Dakota. It is the ball joints. Both of mine sqeak when turning or going over bumps. I checked it out and they were all grinded out with no greese. My friend has the same problem with his 97 Ram

 

I had the same prob with my 99 es coupe 2.5 auto. avenger a couple of years ago- front right side. I took it to the dealership- (under warranty) and over 3 months time they finally fixed the prob. They replaced the hub, i got it back and it was making a different creaking noise. I took it back and they replaced the strut, ball joints and control arm. That took care of the creaking, but then i had a clunking noise when i hit bumps. Then they replaced the strut bearing plate. All noises were then taken care of! that was an ordeal. good luck.