I have a 2003 Escape that has a what I would describe as a moaning or rubbing sound coming from the steering wheel when turning the wheel. At first I thought it was coming from a bad tie rod end but I do not hear anything next to tires. I tried spraying white lithium grease between wheel and column. But that made no difference.

Anyone ever have this or know what I can do to quiet the rubbing noise. It is kinda embarrassing when others are in my car. Also all my cruise control and horn buttons work. Maybe clock spring needs lubed, and if so is it even possible on this car?

Wheel does turn effortlessly, and no issues with power steering pump.

Thanks

 

Mine does it when it's cold out. I've never tried to fix it.

 

It has been cold here as well, and tends to do it more the colder it gets. There must be something we can do to fix it. Hopefully

 

I think I remember reading that the swaybar links can do that. They attach to the strut about halfway up and the upper attach point twists with the wheel turning. Mine grunts once in a while but only when cold.
Easy way to test it if you trust your helper... start the engine and reach up under the front end and have someone turn the wheel to make the sound. If you grab the sway bar link you can feel it vibrate as the rubber slides against the steel.
OBSERVE THE FULL MOTION OF THE TURNING WHEEL BEFORE REACHING IN TO PREVENT BEING PINCHED or use a wooden dowel to press against it. The vibration will transfer through the stick.
It's likely the wheels don't need to be turned much to make the noise.

 

This is on the inside of the vehicle. Kind of a moaning, low pitch creek game noise.

At least that's how I though it was meant.

 

When mine acts up I can feel it through the steering wheel, but mine isn't bad at all and I figured the OP's was bad enough to hear through his.

Never heard of steering shaft flatulence.

Might be worth pulling the plastic cover(s) off the steering shaft for a look around.

 

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I fixed it tonight by spraying white lithium grease at the bottom of the steering column inside the cabin next to the firewall at the boot and the intermediate shaft, (Think that is what it is called) then turned the wheel each direction several times. Problem fixed no more noises

Now I am wondering if I should have used a silicone spray instead of white lithium grease on the rubber boot. I remember reading that petrolatum based grease isn't good for rubber. I may try and wipe off what lithium grease off the boot and spray it good with silicone.

I was sure the rubbing was coming right below the airbag, you could feel it, and defiantly hear it, turned out it was indeed further down.

Thanks everyone for all your suggestions.