Chrysler Repair: Groan when turning, parituclarly if cold:Sebring 97, wheel lug nuts, cv joints

Question
Groans loudly when turning left or right, especially after it has sat or is cold.  One guy said it might be power steering fluid low.  Haven'thad a chance to check

Answer
Hi Bob,
The service manual describes a 'growl' as being a pump noise that can result from low fluid level, so do check that. It also could be caused if one of the hoses that connect the pump to the steering gear were touching the frame or body. Extreme wear of pump internal parts could also be the cause.
Here are some other possibilities: If the sound varies with the velocity at the time, then drivetrain noise might be considered, though groaning is not a sound one associates with cv-joints. A wheel bearing can howl however, and would also vary depending upon lateral forces associated with turning so that is another possibility. Listen for whether the sound is louder when turning left than right, and whether the sound is coming more from one side han the other. If one of he engine rubber mounts were worn then the metal on metal will also produce a growl. You might also check your wheel lug nuts for torque (80-110 foot-pounds).
So those are the items I would check.
Roland