Noises from steering column
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Noises from steering column
Wondering if anyone might have some suggestions of what to look at or if best to not drive and take to mechanic.
My 1996 f250 PSD makes an intermittent clicking/popping sounds from the steering column. Sounds to me like it is from the column inside the truck, not under the truck. It also acts like the power steering is out but not all the time and not to the same degree. Will get tough like no power steering but then will be fine then half power steering. The clicking and tough steering don't seem to coincide really. It had the right amount of power steering fluid, which was flushed a couple years ago. It does not make the classic bad power steering high pitch squeal/squeaking noise.
Sometimes when it is really hard to turn, it will make a LOUD clicking and then suddenly be easier to turn. Seems like something should be stuck in it but I haven't seen anything.
My 1996 f250 PSD makes an intermittent clicking/popping sounds from the steering column. Sounds to me like it is from the column inside the truck, not under the truck. It also acts like the power steering is out but not all the time and not to the same degree. Will get tough like no power steering but then will be fine then half power steering. The clicking and tough steering don't seem to coincide really. It had the right amount of power steering fluid, which was flushed a couple years ago. It does not make the classic bad power steering high pitch squeal/squeaking noise.
Sometimes when it is really hard to turn, it will make a LOUD clicking and then suddenly be easier to turn. Seems like something should be stuck in it but I haven't seen anything.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 323
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From: Lebanon, MO
Does the steering wheel have any up and down play (place hands at 1 o'clock and 6 o'clock postion and lift up and down) or right to left play (hands at 9 o'clock and 3 o'clock rocking side to side)?
Do the turn signals work and shut off after a turn?
Does the horn and cruise control work?
Kevin
Do the turn signals work and shut off after a turn?
Does the horn and cruise control work?
Kevin
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No up and down play or right left. Signals work work and shut off like should. Horn works. No on cruise, hasn't since we got the truck 3 years ago.
Will look at u joint and see if looks like it. Thanks.
Will look at u joint and see if looks like it. Thanks.
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5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 34
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From: Eastern Oregon
Where are these bearings you're talking about - above the dash or at the firewall or where? I have the same symptoms and it sounds like the horn or CC contacts near the steering wheel. But that doesn't explain the added effort to steer at times - to be honest it seems like, for having power steering - this truck requires more effort to steer than it should. I already lubed the horn/CC contacts several months ago and was surprised the noise didn't subside.
Last edited by CC-F250; Jul 26, 2016 at 11:52 PM. Reason: addional info
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Lead Driver
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From: Bahstun
added effort at times is usually the u joint on the lower steering shaft that looses grease and binds up. you cant grease it but PBlaster may loosen it up a lil
the shaft is on ebay for about 200-300 depending on who is selling it
the shaft is on ebay for about 200-300 depending on who is selling it
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 3
From: Eastern Oregon
Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out. Did not know it was such a common problem! I see a u joint between dash & firewall. Is this the one?
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"Love" the mechanic
So took the truck in for two issues? The steering noisy steering and not wanting to start, when it finally did would puff large amount of white smoke but not have the issue again until next day.
He replaced glow plugs and relay and tie rid ends and ball joints. $1350 later the two reasons I took it in were still there! However it started fine for a week or so then suddenly said looks like an injector (s). Wouldn't the computer have said that originally when ran for glow plugs? Not sure what this guy this, hi me for 1350 this week and $2400 next week for injectors? Probably tell me after that motor is blown, need to replace it next!
He replaced glow plugs and relay and tie rid ends and ball joints. $1350 later the two reasons I took it in were still there! However it started fine for a week or so then suddenly said looks like an injector (s). Wouldn't the computer have said that originally when ran for glow plugs? Not sure what this guy this, hi me for 1350 this week and $2400 next week for injectors? Probably tell me after that motor is blown, need to replace it next!
Lead Driver
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From: Bahstun
Computer don't monitor glowplugs. if engine isn't cranking over fast enough then white smoke can happen. Also could be the injectors need shims as when they wear timing gets retarded.
many shops don't know these engines well and take guesses.
Since you don't have the belt squeal I bet the ball joints and tie rods were not the whole issue
did you get to see the old ones? were they binding?
Is your steering tighter now?
many shops don't know these engines well and take guesses.
Since you don't have the belt squeal I bet the ball joints and tie rods were not the whole issue
did you get to see the old ones? were they binding?
Is your steering tighter now?
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 34
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From: Eastern Oregon
Not sure where this thread is headed, now, but I'm leaning toward replacing steering column for noise and binding. For those with experience: Just how far down toward the steering box needs replacing? Thanks for any knowledgeable advice!
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Bahstun
pop off drag link to pitman arm, see if bind exists
if tie rod on pitman removed and no binding, then it can be ball joints but they usually make a big pop noise and front end will wander a lot down the road when ball joints are bad
then remove shaft to steering box and see if bind exists in steering box or column
if bind in the box then see if adjusting nut was too tight
then on tilt steering there is a joint that can bind as well
once you remove shaft from steering you can see if the bearing in column are binding
these steering wheels will make noise with the horn and cruise control contacts scraping and seem like a bearing
if tie rod on pitman removed and no binding, then it can be ball joints but they usually make a big pop noise and front end will wander a lot down the road when ball joints are bad
then remove shaft to steering box and see if bind exists in steering box or column
if bind in the box then see if adjusting nut was too tight
then on tilt steering there is a joint that can bind as well
once you remove shaft from steering you can see if the bearing in column are binding
these steering wheels will make noise with the horn and cruise control contacts scraping and seem like a bearing
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 34
Likes: 3
From: Eastern Oregon
Did some more problem determination. Bind is definetly in the tilt/steering area which is where the noise is also. Noticed some play/looseness (side to side) in the tilt/steering area that escaped me before. I should have paid more attention to the noise which turned out to be a warning.