Driving around this weekend, my XJ-S developed a new creaking sound that feeds back slightly through the steering wheel. I'm most aware of it when I start to roll the car forward from a stop, particularly if I'm turning the wheel. I hear it coming from the left (driver's) side wheel well but that could just be because of where I'm sitting.

I am not aware of it once I get underway.

The control arm and sway bar end link bushes all look good. The end links and bushes were replaced in the last 8k miles as were the steering rack bushes and the rack itself. Sway bar bushes were replaced within the last 2k miles.

Any ideas what to look for?

Thanks in advance.

 

Just read an old service bulletin, JD16/89, that says the top shock washer over the rubber bushing can rub on the body and cause creaking. It said to replace the washer with one of smaller diameter, CBC6608. It's done from the top, no need to remove anything except the top shock nut on each side, replace the washer, and re-attach the nut. Don't know if this is your problem or not, but it is something to look at.

 

check the wheel bearings.
I had the same kinda noise on my xjr from a start, ended up being the bearings.

 

I would start by double checking all the bushes that have been replaced. If someone didn't tighten up a bolt something could have moved.

Shock tower mounts are easy to check just lift the bonnet. There is a rubber or foam bush under the washer both on the top, in the engine bay and under the shock tower.

While the front is jacked up check for play in the wheel.

 

My findings over a few years is the balljoints causes more "creaking" type noises than any bushes.

The tierod ends should have been part of that rack, at least down here they are, so are off my radar at this time.