Car had stiff steering, noticeable groan, and chattering turning left or right - only when stopped or going slowly.

Easily traced to driver-side wheel area. Sounded like it was coming from the strut. When turning wheel, could feel chattering in ball joint, strut housing, tie rod.

Seemed worst in ball joint so I replaced that as it's quick & easy. No change.

Previous owner said car had had some work done - incl strut mounts - before it was parked for a few years. I suspected a failed/poorly-installed strut mount bearing.

But the chattering seemed lower down and I dropped the tie rod end. Frozen so badly that I had trouble moving it with a hammer. Boot was intact (I removed and inspected). Assume some salty water got in before it was parked. Or it was just made with a rough ball/socket.

Soaked it overnight in penetrating oil to test. In a big vise, still had trouble moving it with a hammer.

The owner had been driving it a little hoping things would loosen up. I probably don't have to mention how easily it could have failed - snapped at the threads, broken out of the housing ....
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240 drivers / parts cars - JH, Ohio