When turning to the left (only), car makes a deep groaning noise. I have owned the car for 17 years, and the rag joint may be the original one that was installed in 1971. How does one know if it needs replacing and what are the options for replacement?

 

Do you have power steering? A rag joint usually is not responsible for a deep growning noise.

 

What is a rag joint?

 

Yes...power steering

 

It can be anything from a worn pump, steering box, or binding steering components that causes unusual power steering noises.

Boese1978, the rag joint is the flexible coupling that connects the steering column to the steering box.

 

I may be wrong but I believe it is the steering column joint located in the engine compartment?

 

The rag joint can't be fixed, just replaced. As noted, it will not be the source of a groaning noise. That's something in the pump or steering box. Start by checking the fluid level.

 

Yep, fluid was my first move. It was fine. Just interesting to me that the noise, as stated above, only occurs when turning left?????

 

It maybe you have some dirt in your fluid or possibly an issue developing in pwr steering box.

 

A groaning sound while you're turning is often a ball joint, idler arm, or tie rod end needing grease

 

Is the noise a groan, growl or thunk? When the car is in park and you turn the wheel to the left does it still make the same sound? Have you looked in the fender well for shiny or Chaffee marks where the tire may be "groaning" against the wheel well or rubbing something that should not be there?

 

Slam,
Tried the "turning the wheel in park" trick but the tire makes so much noise on the pavement I cant tell. Also, if the car is moving slowly, the groaning noise is virtually non-existent...the faster the car moves, the louder the noise when turning left. There is no binding or rubbing on fender well. Will get out the grease gun tomorrow to see if that helps, though I usually grease things with each oil change.

 

Maybe your car just hates NASCAR! haha

 

If its not making noise when you're stopped and turning the wheel or at low speed then grease is probably not the issue

 

If its not making noise when you're stopped and turning the wheel or at low speed then grease is probably not the issue

 

Is your mother-in-law sitting in the back seat?

 

Ha, funny you would mention that. She only comes in town twice a year. Ten days from now is one of those times. I'll let you know if the "groaning" noise increases in volume while she's in the car

 

Car now "moans" when using the breaks (above 20-25mph).????

 

Aaaahhhaaaa, did you say brake....if you have front drum brakes the shoe may be hitting the drum. Even if you have front disk pull the front wheels off and take a look. Make sure your lock nut is tight but not too tight, check the wheel bearings & if there are any hot spots on the bearings replace them. Remove all the grease from the spindle as well and look for hot spots on the spindle.

 

Seems likely the "brake" noise and "steering to the left" noise are related. I would also be looking for a common cause in the front wheel assemblies somewhere.

 

When was the last time you packed your wheel bearings?

- Eric

 

rag joint..deep groaning.. sounds like you need to take someone out to dinner. lol

 

Oh, that's good!