Something looks like its missing here...

Hello all! Lately, I've been noticing a weird creaking noise coming from my front end. It only makes the noise when I'm doing low speed maneuvering, like backing into a spot. I can turn the wheel full both ways and it doesn't do it. I can push on the front bumper in both front corners and nothing. Stumped. LCA bushing? Ball joint? Maybe. Anyway, I was under the hood trying to follow the steering linkage and I noted and area of rust. Its almost looks like something rusted off and its just an open hole. If anyway one has any idea on what my noise might be, what component that rusted spot is on, and if there was something there that has rusted off, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks!!

 

Does the hole go all the way through?

 

It's a plug/adjuster to set the lash on the rack and pinion.

Looks fine to me.

 

It doesn't appear to but I can't really see. Thanks for the quick replies. What is lash?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backlash_(engineering)

 

free play between rack and pinion gear..........

 

Gotcha, thanks