Every time I turn the wheel in my 2000 SLE, there seems to be a creaking sound from the drivers side wheel. I purchased the car appox. one year ago and the previous owner had changed the drivers side wheel hub about 10K miles before i purchase the car. Could this be a problem in the steeering rack? This sound happens whether the wheel is turned right or left, but the sound is always from the drivers side. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

This noise only occurs when you turn the wheel one way?

Any differences fast or slow?

Are you able to discern whether or not the creaking sound is coming from inside the passenger compartment or from the exterior? Steering/Suspension? I'm thinking if the sound originates from the exterior it may be a strut bearing driver side. If from interior, could be the infamous intermediate steering shaft clunk. Is it predominant when maneuvering at slow speed or at hywy speeds?

Predominant when maneuvering at slow speed. Feels/sounds the same in either direction. Also, the wheel seems to jerk in a very notchy motion when it occurs. Normally a bad wheel bearing will stop making noice in one direction or the other. Plus, i wouldn't think i would feel a jerking motion in the wheel.

By the way, if it is the intermediate shaft, where is the shaft located? I've seen reference to this shaft on this forum before and it does seem like a common problem.

I may be off here, but have you checked the fluid level in the power steering? Have you checked for the belt slipping?

Try keeping RPMs high and turning through the same maneuver that gave the notchy feeling. That would eliminate belt slipping due to stretch or weak spring on idler pulley.

The strut bearing can be felt by turning the wheel while stationary and having someone touch the spring on that side. If the wheels are on leaves, dirt, gravel they turn easier than on blacktop. But you can feel the bearing catch and then let go. Mine on 2003 made a deep "sprung" sound occasionally. I thought I had a dry ball joint already.

Wheel turns fine while car is stationary. No jerking or notchy feeling in the wheel.

Fluid level is fine.

I will check belt tension tomorrow, just to make sure thats not the problem.

Steering Shaft I think mine with 8400 miles is going... Noticed it two weekends ago at Walgreens...

If the problem is the Intermediate steering shaft, is it a "Dealer only" part? Is this something that a DIYer can do (I've been playing with cars for about 45 yrs. and normally do all of my own work)?

Here'* a link for a recent discussion about it. It also contains a link to the instructions on replacement. It is something a DIYer can easily accomplish.

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...r=asc&start=20

**Edit - It is a dealer only part. It is available through gmpartsdirect.