For about a month maybe more whenever I turn the wheel there's a cracking sound. It only happens when I am standing still or moving very slowly. It gets really annoying and I need all of your help.

P.S. I have a salvage title so I can't go to the dealer.

 

Too general to try and diagnose with the information given...in my experience, you can get a cracking noise from the front shock mounts on higher mileage vehicles if you turn while sitting still...but since you mention a salvaged title, that changes everything...I would go to a shop and have someone check it out.

 

Maybe its just a movement of the brake pads? Need more details...any other symptoms/changes?

 

Here is a video. You can here it really good at 0:07 to the end when I turn the wheel really slowly.
I don't think it has anything to do with it being salvage because the damage was very minor the only things replaced were left fender, headlights, and bumper that's it.

 

Whoa...that is a messed up sound, I would be checking the P/S rack and any bolts around the rack and where it mounts to the frame, also any suspension fittings around the knuckle and sway bar ends. That is not a common noise...and FYI, they don't salvage vehicles for just minor damage, and it does not surprise me that you are having a strange noise in the same area that totalled the vehicle.

 

Trust me they do salvage cars for minor things. Check iaai.com or copart.com and you will be surprised at the cars that are salvaged. My friend just got an A4 and the only thing he needed for it was rear bumper trunk lid and tail lights.

 

definitely check bushings and the power steering rack, do you have any leaks of power steering fluid?

 

Nope no leaks just that sound. Where is the steering rack located and the bushings.

I've been doing research for the past hour and I didn't see anyone else with this issue. I've read like 4 threads about the vibrating steering wheel and power steering going out, but I'm not experiencing any of those symptoms at all. It is just the sound, the steering still feels normal, and not any other single side effects.

 

Rebuilt title can't go to dealership ??

 

I can but they'll charge me 2 arms and a leg. They only perform recalls for free on rebuilt titles.

 

I had a groaning/creaking sound when going slow and turning right sharply. Dealer performed numerous road tests with "engine ears" and checked struts, rack, tie rods, ball joints, struts, springs, contol arms, sway bar bushing/mounts and tried lubricating many areas until they found it to be the front brake caliper brackets boots and pin/bolts. That cured it after many trips to 2 dealers. Lexus of Pleasanton found it and fixed it.

 

So what exactly did they replace? The whole caliper bracket.

 

I believe just the part specified - cured it!