2004 Sierra turning issue

[rkeiser2012]

I have a sudden issue on my 2004 Sierra 1500. It makes a creaking noise when I am turning at slow speeds, almost like an old door that you see in horror movies that is opening. Steering still works fine and I am not getting any tension or anything. Thoughts?

I took a peek underneath to see if there were any obvious signs. I am not super savvy on cars but I know the basics. I took a couple of pictures of what might be the issue. I am not sure what part it is or if it is supposed to look like that. It appears that there is brown fluid seeping from the area. Any thought would be greatly appreciated. (The photos were taken behind the right front tire)

 

[winger870]

This may or may not help you.


Bulletin No.: 03-08-61-002I

Date: August 27, 2007

TECHNICAL
Subject:
Snap/Popping Type Noise Coming from Front of Vehicle (Remove Bolt-In Front Crossmember and Add Washers)
Models:
2003-2006 Cadillac Escalade
2003-2006 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe
2004-2007 Chevrolet Silverado (Classic)
2003-2006 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
2004-2007 GMC Sierra (Classic)
2003-2008 HUMMER H2

1500 Series (1/2 Ton) and 2500 Series (3/4 Ton) with Two-Wheel Drive
Attention: This bulletin only applies to 1500/2500 Series 2WD and HUMMER H2 vehicles with recirculating ball type steering.

Supercede:

This bulletin is being revised to update the parts information to include a new washer for HUMMER H2. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 03-08-61-002H (Section 08 - Body and Accessories).

Condition

Some customers may comment on a snap or popping-type noise coming from the front of the vehicle. This condition is most apparent during hard left or right turns at low speeds. Going over bumps while turning may also aid in producing this noise.

Correction

Remove the bolt-in front crossmember and add washers using the procedure listed below.

DO NOT slot the mounting holes on the crossmember as stated in previous bulletins. Slotting the holes has been found to be less effective and, in some cases, causes the noise condition to be more prevalent.

Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in SI.

Remove the mounting nuts, bolts and the front crossmember from the vehicle.

Clean all the undercoating off the crossmember in the area of the mounting holes.







Reinstall the crossmember with the bolts and nuts. On the driver and passenger side, add washer P/N 11509592 (C/K models) or P/N 15567836 (H2), or equivalent hardened washer (see dimensions shown), at each bolt head and nut location.

Tighten

Tighten the bolts to 120 N.m (89 lb ft).

Apply an even coat of Anti-Corrosion Coating, P/N 12346501 (in Canada, 10952414), or equivalent, to the crossmember where removed. Overlap the original coating in order to provide an effective corrosion protection