Steering squeal
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 491
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From: Southern Illinois
Steering squeal
Details: 97 w/ 5.4 & 4x4
Just noticed today that whenever I turn the wheel left or right, I have a nice squeal that follows. The squeal continues for the entire time I am turning the wheel, regardless of direction. The sound is most noticeable when the vehicle is parked and when driving slowly and making turns. At higher speeds I do not hear the noise - more than likely due to wind noise/road noise.
I got under the front end and the sound is not power steering. I do not have any leaks nor have I experienced stiff steering. The squeal sounds the loudest on the driver's side. The only zerk fittings I located were in the idler arm and I greased those with no success. The squeal remains.
I think its the squeal is from one of the steering bushings where there is no zerk fitting. My assumption is that its dried out after 14 years of service. I even tried spraying some penetrating oil/lubricant to the bushings to see if that eliminated any noise. Again no change.
I do not believe its ball joints. I have not experienced any pops when turning at slow speeds.
Thanks guys!
Edit:
The squeal sounds exactly like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPuTMNN_t4
Just noticed today that whenever I turn the wheel left or right, I have a nice squeal that follows. The squeal continues for the entire time I am turning the wheel, regardless of direction. The sound is most noticeable when the vehicle is parked and when driving slowly and making turns. At higher speeds I do not hear the noise - more than likely due to wind noise/road noise.
I got under the front end and the sound is not power steering. I do not have any leaks nor have I experienced stiff steering. The squeal sounds the loudest on the driver's side. The only zerk fittings I located were in the idler arm and I greased those with no success. The squeal remains.
I think its the squeal is from one of the steering bushings where there is no zerk fitting. My assumption is that its dried out after 14 years of service. I even tried spraying some penetrating oil/lubricant to the bushings to see if that eliminated any noise. Again no change.
I do not believe its ball joints. I have not experienced any pops when turning at slow speeds.
Thanks guys!
Edit:
The squeal sounds exactly like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPuTMNN_t4
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 379
Likes: 2
From: Azle, TX
I read your whole post, and I'm honestly going to say balljoints. Sounds like they are really dry. Usually wore out CV joints pop when turning. Squirt some grease into the balljoints with a needle fitting, and see if it goes away.
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Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 491
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From: Southern Illinois
Thanks for the input. Once the ice passes and it warms up here in IL, I'll go out and give it a whirl. Any recommendations for a syringe to inject the grease with?
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Joined: Aug 2009
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Ball joints that are bad usually do not squeak. They are bad when they loosen. Check the lowers by lifting the front wheels, jackstands on the frame. Then use a floor jack under the outer part of the lower control arm and lift slowly. If it is bad you will see movement, the arm will move before the hub/spindle. Do not have your body under the truck while jacking, be safe.
These power steering pumps are known for funny noises. Make sure the lines are perfectly dry. Just a small amount of air in the system can cause bad noises. I have read that the return line can become porous and suck air in. Fix is to replace the line and flush system fluid.
Good Luck
These power steering pumps are known for funny noises. Make sure the lines are perfectly dry. Just a small amount of air in the system can cause bad noises. I have read that the return line can become porous and suck air in. Fix is to replace the line and flush system fluid.
Good Luck
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