Seems like my 4RX has all sort of gremlins...

Discovered a new issue today and was wondering if some of the more mechanically savvy forum members are able to help narrow down the cause of my issue. My dealer isn't very helpful... so anything I can do to narrow down the problem would be helpful to try and steer them in the right direction.

I hear this creaking coming from the steering column, and a groaning/creaking sound from the front passenger footwell area when I reverse slowly with the steering wheel nearly locked towards the right. It sounds sort of like what you'd hear if you leaned back on an office chair that needs a bit of lube.
The noise comes and goes, haven't been able to pin down exactly under what conditions it occurs. I've been able to replicate it a few times in an empty parking lot though.
Reversing in other direction produces no noise, neither does driving forward with wheels locked in either direction. Only reverse while turning right.

I'm wondering based on the above symptoms if it could have something do with one of the ball joints or something on my right front wheel. But would that also cause the creaking noise to be heard seemingly from around the steering column?
I'm not very knowledgeable on the mechanical aspects of cars, so any pointers as to what I can try and do to self-diagnose would be very helpful.

It's not really an issue that bothers me day to day, just concerned it's causing some mechanical wear/damage that I should get addressed.

 

I had that symptom on a Hyundai Santa Fe and it turned out to be the McPherson strut crown bearing.

 

I have had several Toyota trucks do the same thing. All of them right front.

 

Thanks for the feedback, is this something that I should be concerned about repairing?

Or do you guys think it is just an annoyance and as long as I don't mind it, it can ignore it?

Wondering if could just lithium grease/silicon spray the strut bearing and move on with my life.

 

The problem is the strut bearing is under pressure and you're unlikely to get any grease into the joint. You could try some penetrating oil on it, but probably you're headed toward a strut replacement one of these days. Get your dealer to replicate the issue, and see how serious it is. It might be OK for years before it gets critical.

 

Guess it's time to try and convince the dealer to take a look. I need to go in for the fuel pump recall anyways... guess I'll throw this item on the list of to-dos as well then.

Kind of surprised that the strut is already exhibiting issues, given I've only got about 25k miles on the car.

 

Do yourself a favor and take it in with the low fuel light on, so they don't spill gas on the interior. The dealer will put gas in the tank for you when it's finished.

 

Ask your dealer to check the constant velocity (CV) joints on front axles; more probable than a strut. You can change the angle of the CV joint by adding a heavy friend to the passenger seat (tell him that we’re going out for coffee), and then try to replicate the maneuver that would cause the noise. Easy test, and a nice espresso treat for a friend starts the day right.

 

Interesting idea, will try and get a passenger to test.
Although from reading online symptoms of bad CV joint, it seems like it's a noise that can be heard either in forward or reverse, and typically when accelerating? Also watched a few videos and a bad CV joint sounds more like a pop/click, instead of a creak/groan.

My odd symptom only occurs in low speed reverse. Low speed forward makes zero noise.

 

I have a 21 which recently started exhibiting this around 20k miles. Very occasional though. Dealer lubed brakes once and couldn't replicate 2nd time. Any insight ?