02 Creaking noise left turn almost non existant right turn or straight

[klvthatsme]

Purchaced 02 Envoy end of June 08. We knew it needed front stab links and thought the creaking noise was related. Replaced links clunking noise is now cured but creaking noise remains. Tech suggested it may be stab bar rubber mounts but they appear tight and tech verified. The creaking noise is very prominent when turning left and can be felt in the steering wheel like someone is tapping on the wheel. It is much less noticeable going straight and almost non existant turning right. No change from smooth to bumpy pavement. I tried rocking the suspension when braking but it does not seem to make any change. When you take a long sweeping curve to the right it is very irritating/puzzling. All else functions normally on this vehicle, no warning lights etc. My mind has always feared the worst ($$$) so please help suppress my fears. Thank You, Kris, Wisconsin

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, no way to accurately diagnose this in this environment, but if you can get the noise sitting still while turning the wheel, have the mechanic get under there and usually you can feel the noise coming from the suspect component, similar symptoms in my 02 was the l/s ball joint.

[klvthatsme]

Thanks for the reply, I am slow to respond because I wanted to take it in the shop to have a thourough check. I was told by the repair establishment that this noise is a common GM complaint more notably on cars. It seems to be the steering shaft making the racket. GM has a repair kit with a special lubricant that seems to do the trick. I was told my noise was very minor compared to others. They also told me GM has discontinued this repair kit for trucks and they would need to verify that the Envoy kit is still available. I was also told this condition does not cause damage that it more of an annoyance so I chose to leave it as is for now. Any opinions on this issue?

[maxwedge]

There is a TSB for this noise in steering column, more pronounced in cold weather, this is not in the wheels or steering per se, but I do not know if this applies to your truck, I can't hear it. No harm in driving it, but there is an extensive TSB outlining the symptoms and repair procedure.

[klvthatsme]

Thank You again, I will Seach for the TSB. I know this is a difficult medium to acurately diagnose problems, but the wisdom that is out there is tremendous and I greatly appreciate being able to tap into that knowledge. Please be patient with me as I learn how to use this forum.