2001 SL2 Clicking noise turning wheel when stopped

[Upstate Saturn]

When I turn my wheels when stopped, I hear a clicking noise coming from the front end. It's worse if I crank the wheel all the way over. When driving it seems fine, I don't hear any noises when turning, or feel anything out of whack in the front end. What do you suppose is wrong?

The car is a 2001 SL2 with 200k miles on it. Thanks for any advice you can give.

[caveeagle]

Upper strut mounts are dry or worn out?

[wi111y]

You sure it's from the front end? Mine made a clicking noise in the wheel when my clock spring got broken.

[Upstate Saturn]

Originally Posted by wi111y

You sure it's from the front end? Mine made a clicking noise in the wheel when my clock spring got broken.

Yes, I'm sure it's from the front end, and it only happens when I am actually turning the wheel.

What is a clock spring? When did they start putting springs in digital clocks?

[caveeagle]

Originally Posted by Upstate Saturn

Yes, I'm sure it's from the front end, and it only happens when I am actually turning the wheel.

What is a clock spring? In a digital clock?

The clock spring (stupid name) is inside your steering wheel. Its what allows all your steering wheel electronics (airbag, cruise, horn) to maintain an electrical connection when you turn the wheel in circles. Wires would just bind, wear out and break.

Like I said earlier, I suspect your noise is comming from you upper strut mounts. Whenver you turn your front wheels, of hit a bump or brake hard, all the front geometry changes. The upper strut pivot allows the strut to move around to adapt to this. Age, cold weather, lack of lubrication can cause these to make noise.

You might try to get some lubrication up in there to see if it quiets down.