Cracking noise from steering rod

when i turn the steering wheel to the end to make a turn onto a ramp
or driveway, my '95 toy pickup will make a cracking noise, like
stretching a piece of metal spring to the limit and making cracking
noise. A friend of mine said his '88 pickup made that kind of noise
and which is normal for a non-power steering/stick shift pickup. Is
this true? I look at the gear house, which is at the end of the
steering rod, and found nothing wrong, Everything seeems holding
together. Do you have the similar scnario?

Matt

"Matt" <mliao6990@m> wrote in message
news:2479e49.0404112103.1b5b69c1@co m...
> when i turn the steering wheel to the end to make a turn onto a ramp
> or driveway, my '95 toy pickup will make a cracking noise, like
> stretching a piece of metal spring to the limit and making cracking
> noise. A friend of mine said his '88 pickup made that kind of noise
> and which is normal for a non-power steering/stick shift pickup. Is
> this true? I look at the gear house, which is at the end of the
> steering rod, and found nothing wrong, Everything seeems holding
> together. Do you have the similar scnario?
>
> Matt

There are adjustable 'stops' on the lower suspension arm to limit the angle
through which you can turn the steering. These need a smear of grease on the
contact surfaces. Just a small amount wiped on with your finger will solve
the problem. You will see where it is needed as the rubbing surface will be
worn smooth and shiny. Easier to see than to explain.

JohnB

On my '87 4Runner, there's a bolt and metal plate on each side to limit the
turn, sort of a mechanical stop. Turning the wheel to the limit, and
hitting a bump or ramp will produce a pretty scary-sounding metal-on-metal
shreik or cracks. Look for that, and put some grease on the wear spots, see
if that calms it down.
"Matt" <mliao6990@m> wrote in message
news:2479e49.0404112103.1b5b69c1@co m...
> when i turn the steering wheel to the end to make a turn onto a ramp
> or driveway, my '95 toy pickup will make a cracking noise, like
> stretching a piece of metal spring to the limit and making cracking
> noise. A friend of mine said his '88 pickup made that kind of noise
> and which is normal for a non-power steering/stick shift pickup. Is
> this true? I look at the gear house, which is at the end of the
> steering rod, and found nothing wrong, Everything seeems holding
> together. Do you have the similar scnario?
>
> Matt