When I turn the wheel either way, there is a loud moaning/scrunching/screeching noise. It doesn't sound likemetal on metal. It kinda sounds like opening a heavy door that's neverbeen oiled or the hinges are worn out. One mechanic suggested strut bearing plates. Another suggested ball joints. I thought it was the power steering since it happens when I turn the wheel, but everything seems to check out Ok there. Any suggestions?

 

Check the tie rod ends... With non greaseable units now, I've run into them 'creeking' on many MY/applications...

 

Probably the ball joints, but like previous post said check the tie rod ends. You can do that by rotating clockwise/counterclockwise the inner tie rod end with a pair of pliers, if it feels stiff to rotate tie rod is probably bad.

 

You can go to an auto part store and pick up a needle grease fitting that will stab the boot of the non greasable joints. You can try pumping some grease into them that way. But first, find which joint is making the noise. You do this by picking the vehicle up off the ground by the lower control arm and as close to the tire as posible as to keep the springs compressed (both front wheels if possible). From there, you can check the tie rod ends by manually trying to turn the tire from side to side with your hands placed at the 3 and 9 oclock positions. To test the lower ball joint for play, place a pry bar of some sort under the tire and lift the tire up a bit. As you rock the tire up and down with the pry bar have an assistant look at the lower ball joint for any play. It really is best to replace the joint that makes the noise, but sometimes you can get away with greasing them. Good luck, let us know what you find as to inform others.

 

My '99 Mercury Sable did this as well - I know the sound your talking about. Before I started pulling parts, I suspected the upper strut bearing, so I poured a little fresh oil on the upper strut mount. It took about a day or 24 miles to quit making the noise entirely. It's been 10 or so months later and still no noise. And by the way, no oil ever leaked down the strut past the strut mount ( which was a big concern with me).