Guys,

Just got an '89 TII with only 43,000 miles on it. When I turn the wheels it makes a creaking sound that seems to come from both strut towers, can't be sure. I don't hear this sound when driving except for very low speeds. Any common problems that might account for this? My is also somewhat unstable. The tire are completely worn out...this might be the cause. The front end seems to follow every little bump or rut in the road. Sound like tires / alignment?

Todd

 

Worn out tires should not make the car handle badly as long as there is no steel showing. Creaking can be loose suspension fasteners (strut mount nuts, strut attach nut), rubber bushings that need a little WD40 sprayed on them, etc.

I would take it to a tire shop, buy 4 new tires and have them to a 4 wheel suspension / alignment check also. Sometimes they will do the alignment check for free with a tire purchase That way you will know for sure if you have an alignment problem or loose suspension components.

 

my car as about 50,000 on it and the stock shocks are worn. the OEM shocks are just crappy. though, iv heard that most OEM shocks are done at 30,000...
the sidewall constuction of a tire has a big impact on how it follows the road, even more so if they are wider tires. If its out of allignment, you should be able to tell from the wear on the tires. springs do sag with time, and that can bring your car out of alignment too.
maybe the previous owner installed urathane bushings, those will creak a lot if they are not lubed.

 

I would guess struts or strut tower bushings. There's a bearing in there that can fail --especially if the grease in em has dried out.

M-trix makes a replacement Strut tower bushing that will lower the front of your car 3/4". They're like $130 a pair or so.

 

About a month or two ago, I test drove an 88 TII that had only 49K on it and it had the exact same problem. I attributed it to the shock bushings or something not lubed up too well in the steering system. Replace the shocks with some nice KYB's and replace the bushings as well. Your car will thank you.

 

Yes, and my checking account will hate me! It's only got 43,000 miles on it. It does not feel like it needs shocks/struts but you may be right. My '87 made the EXACT same noise but it only came from one side not both.

Todd

 

My 89TII makes that noise every once in a great while. When it does, I take strut covers off and spray lubricant in there as stated above. That will clear it up.
Take a look at they way all 4 tires are worn. Are they worn straight across the tread, worn on 1 side (inside or outside), feathered etc. That should give you some idea if there's an alignment problem.