Front End Vibration / Grinding While Turning

[OkiDeli]

Hello,

I've just purchased my '92 Delica here in Okinawa, Japan. It passed the Shaken (the Japanese Compulsory Bi-annual Comprehensive Safety Inspection), but I have a weird sound that I need to diagnose and fix.

Whenever I am turning, there is a very noticeable vibration (almost grinding sound) coming from what seems to be middle of the undercarriage. This only occurs when I turn the wheel while not moving, or while moving very slowly (think while parking or in a drive through queue). At driving speed, I can turn the wheel noise and vibration free.

I'm new to Delica maintenance and don't know what to look for exactly. I don't think its drivetrain related, as it doesn't persist as the van's speed increases. I want to try to diagnose and fix this myself -- any suggestions on what to look for in order to narrow down the problem?

[Big-Bird]

Sounds like a suspension noise. Even though an inspection will detect excessive movement of suspension components of won't always detect a lack of grease/lube in ball joints and outer tie-rods and if a ball joint is dry is will make horrible noises.

You can try to grease them (4) but its possible not all ball joints have a grease zirk or point of entry for grease insertion.... This means a needle type injector is needed.

[Growlerbearnz]

It kind of sounds like you're saying you get a noise when you're turning the steering wheel. That could be low power steering fluid- the reservoir is under the drivers seat. Don't take the cap off while the engine's running, and don't turn the steering wheel while the cap is off- fluid will squirt out. Messy.