Squeaky steering

[rtg]

The car's started to squeak when I turn the steering wheel. With the car on the drive and bonnet up it's coming from the passenger side wheel area when I the wheel starts to move on the tarmac. Sounds like rubber, but I can't pin it down.
The rack is not moving - it's firmly bolted to chassis. All ball joints are checked for tightness and ok. The wheel and other steering items are not rubbing against the bodywork, so I'm assuming it's down to upper/lower joint or rack.

Any ideas? Do I need to lubricate the joints, or replace? Does a rack make this noise?

[v8s4me]

That's a tricky one to answer without hearing it. Have you tied jacking up the front of the car to see if the steering still squeaks when there is no load? Maybe get a mate to turn the steering wheel while you get in close and try to find the source? The ball joints might be tight but if they are dry they could be the cause.

[phillpot]

Drive it till it gets worse, will be easier to locate then.

[v8s4me]

phillpot said:

Drive it till it gets worse, will be easier to locate then.

Squeak, squeak

[phillpot]

Found it!

[rtg]

I've had another look again today after persuading the wife to sit in the driving seat.

It seems to be coming from the steering rack, passenger side. If I lift up the passenger wheel and turn there's no sound.Drop the wheel back down and it's OK for a while and then the squeaking comes back.

So I guess it's the rack. Does the rack need any periodic lubrication? is it a sealed unit? Is it serviceable? Is it time to play hunt the final UK Chevette?

Again, any ideas please!

[phillpot]

pul the rack gaiters back, turn full left lock smear everything you can with grease, repeat for right lock, re-fit gaiters and try it.

[v8s4me]

You might find THIS POST helpful. There again, you may not