I have a 2000 Frontier SE what makes a very loud creaking sound when I turn All the way left or right. What is the culprit? The truck rides great at speed and slowly, and also makes no noises when going over heavy bumps or rough terrain?

I also have an AC problem and will post my cost in New Jersey to fixed it at a local mechanic. I'll know Monday.

 

umm...it creakes WHILE youre turning the wheel, or when you get lock to lock? if its while youre turning the wheel, i would think that it is a dry ball joint, but if its at the lock point in the steering, i would say that the strain on the power steering pump is causing the belt to slip, which could also be a part of the AC problem, because i think theyre the same belt.

 

noise when lock to lock. It doesn't sound like a squeal as I would expect from a belt but more like a actual creak. I'll let you know.

 

it could also be a pump issue...when youre at a lock, it strains the system, and the pump could be making that noise as well

 

It is the bolt on the spindle that actually hits the stop on lower control arm, rubbing on the stop bare metal to metal. If you look you'll notice that the stop and bolt head are shiny or smooth from contact with each other. The stops keep the wheel from turning far enough to rub your inner fender. There is nothing wrong with your truck if that is your only symptom. The noise should remind you not to hold the wheel that hard in either direction Nissan trucks dont have the greatest turning radius any way so holding your wheel to the stop won't help. Something you might want to get checked while you are under the truck is the "cam shim bolts" on your lower control arms I read in a forum about my 95 Pathfinder that those bolts were under torqued just enough to cause a creaking noise on rough terrain or during articulation Check your repair manual and torque them to spec.

 

thanks for the input!!