Nissan Repair: grease in steering joints, 2005 nissan altima, steering joints

Question
My wife has a 2005 Nissan Altima with the 4 cylinder engine. It makes a slight creaking sound from the left front when turning the steering wheel. I checked the joints around the left front wheel, but they don't have grease fittings. Can I pry up the rubber boots and push grease under them, or will that tear the boots? Thanks.

Answer
Hi Dave -

Those are sealed fittings and will not accept grease. The rubber boot is just a dust cover. The noise could be coming from the control arm too.

A good trick I learned is to get a long screwdriver or rod and use it like a stethoscope. Touch one side to various joints while your wife turns the wheel to make the noise. Hold the other end of the screwdriver to your ear, and you will be able to hear it loud and clear when you find the joint that is making noise.

Most likely, if it cannot be serviced, the joint, bushing, or whatever is making the noise will have to be replaced, but at least you won't be guessing.

Hope this helps -
aloha
calvin