Beginner DIY mechanic here.
I changed my lower control arm brackets and reattached the subframe. Before putting my bumper back on, I was double checking everything. While underneath the car, I manually turned the wheels and noticed a creaking sound coming from the Lower Steering Shaft Universal Joint area. I disengaged the pinch bolt from the steering column and turned the wheels again and still hear the creaking sound. I didn't notice any time before and was wondering if this is normal.
When the subframe was out, I looked under the rubber flap and noticed that it wasn't packed completely with grease. Can I just pack that area with grease? I have some Phil Wood water proof ball bearing grease, would that work?
Attached are some pictures. BTW, what is that part called?



Drawing:

 

That's the little cover that mounts on the top of the steering rack to lower joint connection, I call it a little dust cap. Just make sure its all the way down and covering the rack. There is no separate MINI part # for that part as you can see on the above diagram. I have not added grease or lifted it up, so I don't know how much grease is there for reference.

The squeak or creak usually comes from the U joint. U can either replace it or spray it with penetrating fluid at the lower U joint itself. Some say it will start to creak again later down the road. Most of the problem is with it seizing and then you steering wheel does not return to center, which is most of the time replacement.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...to-center.html



Thanks and good luck.

 

Thanks for the reply.
It's definitely not the u joint. I disconnected the steering shaft and manually turned the wheels and heard the squishing/creaking noise. It could have been just the power steering fluid. I know there was some type of grease under the rubber flap, but not sure what kind. It was a clearish/light grey color.

Great that you were the one to reply, since I purchased the LCA brackets from ECS Tuning. I got the Meyle, since I didn't want to go with OEM nor the powerflex. Steering feels great.