I have a Hyundai Sonate, automatic, 2007 3.3 L V6. I bought it used with 107,000 miles on it. I have had it for two years and it's a great car. I have since fixed ball joints at last year inspection and kept up with regular maintenance. Just recently I heard a horrible creaking loud constant noise in the front passenger side. I have never heard this noise before and it's really disturbing. I took it in and the mechanic said it was my shocks so I have them replaced and the car definitely handles bumps better but this did not resolve the noise. The noise is only heard on longer trips like 15 miles or so. I never hear the noise on short trips like 5 miles. I have taken the car in for inspection for this year and they say everything looks fine. The only problem they saw is a leak from the power steering pump, yet my power steering pump reservoir never loses fluid and the hose looks fine...no cracks or dry rot and no moisture to indicate a leak.
I'm very concerned about this noise and do not want to take it for long distances until I get it resolved. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Can you please make a YouTube video of the noise and post the link here?
What triggers the sound?
I think I may have figured out what the sound is. I was watching a YouTube video on creaking noise on car and the exact sound was duplicated. After going through and inspecting all the front-end components he figured out it was lose bolts on the cross frame. I am hoping that will solve the problem of the noise....
The only problem they saw is a leak from the power steering pump
Did they physically show you the leak which they saw?
Yes, they did. It was also on the return line.
If you suspect it to not be power steering fluid, try isolating the leak using UV dye.