My vibe makes a creaking sound when you turn the steering wheel - either direction - and when the car is off as well. Steering feels tight.
Would the power steering pump make noise even when the engine is off?
It's louder inside the car - still need to find someone however to turn it while I'm under the hood to better judge the location.
Does this sound more like a rack, or possibly a tie rod end?
Sounds like someone is using a tape gun - when you pull the tape that creaky stretchy noise it makes....
the noise varies with the speed the wheel is turned.
It's not a groan, and happens only when the wheel is turned - from when you first start to turn it until all the way to lock.
Thanks for any insights......