had for some time this 'groans' noise (like rusty hinges on a barn door) coming from suspension area each time I had to steer in place or at very low speed.

the noise came and went but it was louder after a rain.

I read all topics related on this forum and it seemed it is a lower ball joint job.

but people described the noise more like a knock...

I have a visiting pit and I tried to locate the noise using a stethoscope for mechanics while a friend steered slowly from one end to the other.

but the noise intensity was almost the same in every place I listened (steering mechanism and suspension)

some people said they couldn't find any solution and gave up.

in desperation I changed a lower ball joint hoping to get an improvement.

to my surprise, the noise remained alive & well  '

then I poured some engine oil in the 'tray' tha holds the spring. SOLVED.

 

by the way, I would like to ask:

is it normal for front suspension springs to slip in lower steel tray?

mine do this twisting 4-5 mm movement when steering till eventually hit the stop raised thing.

No, movement on the spring perch is not good, also however I can't think of a reason why it would do it either unless you've got a broken spring, I would have thought there would be enough tension to prevent that movement even when the weight of the car is off the spring.

the springs are not broken.

when the weight of the car is off the spring, there is no movement, no groaning.

only when the car is standing on its wheels, I steer left all the way then I begin steering to the right.

the noise became more evident after I changed the upper 'donut' bushings and bearings (position 9 and 7 on the figure).