Please help! Creaking/Grinding sound from front-end area when I turn steering...

Hello,
I own a 1996 Toyota Tacoma, rwd, 4 cylinder, has about 185,000 miles on it.

Yesterday, all of a sudden, I began to notice a creaking / grinding sound coming from the driver-side front end wheel area whenever I turn the steering wheel. Happens when sitting still, moving, and it also seemed to occur at least once when going over a speed-bump. I topped off the steering fluid, didn't seem to help. No popping, clicking, or anything like that--its an odd creaking/grinding sound.

Anyone know what this most probably is? The mechanics around my area are crooks so I'd like to get a good idea of whats going on before I take it to the shop today and get robbed.

Please help, I use my Taco to make a living doing deliveries and junk removal.

Thanks

 

Well if it does it while sitting still, it has to do something with your rack and pinion, inner tie rid, or outer tie rod.

That's about all that moves while sitting still

 

Could also be a bad PS pump, or plugged-up reservoir screen.

 

I had the same thing, it was a torn boot on the outer tie rod and it lost it's grease. I smushed some grease in there and made it another month before I replaced it.
Something to check and easy to replace.