I wonder if anyone can help with this please.

I have a 2007 MY, L322 Vogue 4.4 V8 Petrol and recently noticed that the ride has become really firm.

I've owned this car now for 8 years, so know it well. It's a car that has always floated around wherever it goes, still riding on its original 19-inch wheels but now it seems like I'm feeling almost every single bump!!

A couple of days before I noticed the car was riding firmly, I did pull over to let someone pass on a country lane and went down quite a significant dip (not sure if this is related or not).

Then today, I've noticed that the steering is creaking on full, or almost full lock - Please see video at foot of page.

Does anyone have any idea as to what the creaking sound upon steering could be caused by?

And more importantly, is such a fault likely to lead to a firm ride?

I've had no dashboard lights or warning messages come up, and the car appears to be sitting fine and level.

As always, any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks in advance

Listening to the noise, it sounds like something in the steering is 'dry' / seizing up. It does not sound like the hydraulics are making that noise. The fault may possibly be in the steering column, or to do with the track rod ends when on full lock. A remote educated guess obviously. Hope someone else has a more specific experience / answer.

I do not think that the steering could cause a 'firm ride' I would start to look at the suspension components for that, especially given the age of your vehicle. I would suggest a visit to a good Indy for a close inspection and test drive may be a good idea.

Was just about to submit this and thought - Have you changed anything recently ? For instance changed to a new brand of tyre, as you say it used to float around.

Thanks for taking the time to reply Merchy.

No nothing at all has changed recently. I checked the tyre pressures the other day, they're at 34 PSI all round, which is on the lower side, and the tyres are about 3/4mm on the front, 5-6mm on the back. I will probably change these for a new set all round in October / November.

I guess there could be more than one issue going on here, so I'll get everything checked over. I am booked in with a very good local indy (Groombridge Sussex) in 2 weeks time (it's the earliest they could do).

I don't mind too much what it costs, I just want to get the car right and don't want them to miss anything, so the more suggestions I can go to them with the better.

My biggest concern, is if they do miss something, it'll be another 2-3 weeks before I can get the car back in to them again - The downside I guess to a good Independent!

No problem aja, I am definitely not a ff expert but being an engineer and working on cars I generally follow my instincts, Not always right

At least you have a good indy booked. As remote diagnosis is sometimes difficult, I would love to know what the outcome is once they have had a shufti at your car. Hope all goes well.

Just add an extra cushion under your bum in the meantime! Hope the hounds are not in too much discomfort, oh and that also goes for SIWMBO, before I get myself into trouble with your good Lady

Good morning Merchy

That's very kind of you, thank you. I'll let you know the outcome once the car's been in.

Have a good weekend.

Allister