Technical Crunchy steering wheel

[luka78]

Hi,

Question is about Bravo 2007, 1.9, 150hp. In the last few days I hear some crunchy sounds from my steering wheel. I heard it more when I start the car and try to move left or right. I don't hear it too much while I’m driving (maybe because I can’t turn wheel so much). I can’t find steering wheel fluid vessel to check level of oil? Could it be the problem?

Thank you

 

[bradgibbs]

I have exactly this, anyone any ideas?

 

[luka78]

This is how it sounds, I recorded it.

 

[bradgibbs]

Mines not as bad as yours, it only does it from like 90 degrees onwards. But yeah that's the same sound as me. Not a clue

 

[aurick86]

The steering is electrical=> no fluid.

Listening there are two distinct sounds...
1. the "thump" at the end of travel can be something like a track rod end..
2. there is a constant creaking.. this might be from the bearing in the strut top mount ( search the GP tutorial section; the guys there clean/lube the bearing as maintenance ); another possibility is the lower ball joint ( if the rubber seal tears grit and rust get in there causing a similar sound/feeling in the steering wheel)
this is the second sound: