Chevy & GMC Vans

When I turn just a little bit left or right, I can hear a sound that kinda sounds like a combination of squeaking and grinding coming from the front right side. After I turn a bit sharper it usually goes away or turns into a high pitched, barely audible squeal. Then the chrome vanity ring came off in the driveway and the noise went away. The next day it started again. I've checked the lugnuts, and they're tight. What could it be?


Also, not sure if this is relevant, but when I first got the van I noticed that it doesn't center itself back up- I have to spin the wheel back to straight after turning. I just figured it was supposed to be like that.

I think you're just gonna have to stick your head in there and look for it. Get someone to turn the wheel for you.

It's the suspension. What could I do to eliminate the noise until I can afford new shocks?

Turn up the stereo

But seriously, I've never heard of shocks squeeling. Bearings will do that though. If your wheels dont' straighten out then they're out of alignment.

When was the front end greased last? It needs to be done every 3,000 miles like and oil change.

I'm still having trouble with it... I don't know why I haven't replied to this until now. I've greased the ball joints and sprayed oil on my shocks, but it still squeaks. Someone says it's probably the rubber bushings on the a-frame. How do I oil them? I heard it's really hard to do.

JT, I dont know how you oil those, but I do know that Oil and Rubber dont mix, and rubber usually becomes useless after soaking in oil long enough.
(remembering many an engine or tranny mount where the rubber is basically soft & slimy, usually torn or just disintigrating)

What about white grease? If that will work, how do I get the a-frames off with the least amount of trouble?

Make sure all those mounting bolts are tightened down.