Steering creaks like an old rope

[squireiii]

or perhaps a wound-up rubber band. 99 with 115,000 miles. Noise comes mainly when going slow and I turn the wheel to park, or pull into driveway, etc. At least that's when I can hear it. Comes from front of car, and I can feel it in the steering wheel as well. Id don't know if any bushings, or other suspensions parts have ever been replaced. Does anyone have any ideas?

[dmairspotter]

I've got the same thing, so I would also like to hear what anyone has to offer.

[bar10dah]

How does the fluid look? Level? Color? Age?

[squireiii]

I'll check the fluid, etc. tomorrow. I haven't done so yet thinking that since the noise is up front, it would be something else. Faulty logic though, I'm sure.

[healthservices]

There are several places where the noise can be from. Easiest and most common is the power steering fluid. Please note there is a special fluid needed.

Another is the top mount bearing on top of your strut, if you hear it to one side or the other. The lower ball joint makes noise too.

[squireiii]

Update. The fluid was low. Did not even show on the dipstick. Found Pentosin fluid at VW dealer and filled to proper level, plus a little. Not sure how much it took, 4-5 oz possibly. Smooth and quiet now. Thanks to everyone who responded!

[bar10dah]

It's amazing what a couple ounces low will do to a Boxster.

[randy_k]

Originally Posted by squireiii

Update. The fluid was low. Did not even show on the dipstick. Found Pentosin fluid at VW dealer and filled to proper level, plus a little. Not sure how much it took, 4-5 oz possibly. Smooth and quiet now. Thanks to everyone who responded!

You should hear it if you over fill it. If you think that was bad??? Ask me how I know?

Randy

[UNYboater]

Originally Posted by squireiii

Update. The fluid was low. Did not even show on the dipstick. Found Pentosin fluid at VW dealer and filled to proper level, plus a little. Not sure how much it took, 4-5 oz possibly. Smooth and quiet now. Thanks to everyone who responded!

Are there two different types of Pentosin, CHF 202 & 11S? I see (according to Pelican) that 202 "supersedes the Pentosin CHF 11S, and is applicable to all Porsche 993, 996, 997, 980, 955 vehicles"; does that mean it's NOT applicable to a 986? Or did they just miss my Boxster! Which was the one you got at VW?

[UNYboater]

Originally Posted by UNYboater

Are there two different types of Pentosin, CHF 202 & 11S? I see (according to Pelican) that 202 "supersedes the Pentosin CHF 11S, and is applicable to all Porsche 993, 996, 997, 980, 955 vehicles"; does that mean it's NOT applicable to a 986? Or did they just miss my Boxster! Which was the one you got at VW?

I found both at my local Napa so I bought the CHF 11S. $22. Not sure if they all stock them; this is a pretty big one. My local VW parts counter knew nothing & WANTED to know nothing. Said his stuff only had VW's part numbers on it.

[bar10dah]

Since we're talking power steering, what size hose it that on the top of the reservoir? The overflow hose. I'd like to get a replacement hose that'll extend all the way down through the bottom of the engine.

[squireiii]

The VW fluid was 11s. The parts guy was great. I called, and he read the fine print on the bottle, which showed it is 11s. It's a VW part, but had the right stuff inside. Don't remember what I paid. Sorry for the late post.