MacPherson suspension

[NateDN10]

I'm trying to track down the source of a creaking noise that happens in the last 10% of steering rotation, to either side. I tried hitting all the bushings I could find with some grease, but it's still creaking.

Onto my main question: In a MacPherson strut suspension, the main rotation is along the axis of the strut... but between which parts does this actually occur? Here's a diagram of my car's front suspension. It seems like it might be up at the top of the strut. Is it possible that's where the creaking is coming from?

What other things should I check?

 

[SLCraig]

I would be going after the strut mounts. And yeah they are at the top of the strut where it pivots in the tower.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Yes, there's a bearing plate at the top. Sometimes oiling this with a light oil will solve the problems. My '97 Cadillac had a bad squawk from the bearing plates with any suspension movement. Some light oil would quiet it down for a week or two. The forces there on those rubbing surfaces are high.

 

[Burt]

My problem came from the link (#14 on the diagram). Be sure it is tight and give it a shot of oil as a last resort.

 

[artificialist]

Strut mounts are most likely. Get new Quick-struts if you can.