Not sure if anyone remembers my posts outlining the woes of my 05 truck, but finally, they recognize some of the problems and are attempting to fix "some" of them.

I have a noisy steering column, that also has a slight vibration when turning. Originally they greased some boot through the firewall, that did nothing, so the next plan was to change some stabilizer. The part was ordered, and instead of a stabilizer, today I drop the truck off and they inform me the entire steering column is being changed. They never mentioned the column, they had said if the stabilizer does not cure it, the steering box would be changed.

I don't know what to think, just I would like it fixed, and fixed correctly. Now if they would just agree to switch me engines, one that runs better.

 

I had a "clicking or popping" noise in mine and it was the bolts that hold the steering wheel (under the airbag) to the column. They were going to try the column swap, but Ford said to look at the bols first.... and it was.

They used some shimming tools and tape to better seat the bolts (and washers) in the holes and to hold the entire assembly. I have a "moan" in my power steering pump, but after changing it out I now find that this is normal in Fords.

So... is your problem loose steering or the clicking and popping sound I had and a slight "wiggle" in your wheel.

Let us know.

Jeff

 

Mine is a high pitched whine, first, and a slight vibration second. The whine sounds like what you would hear with a little kid crying outside the truck with the windows rolled up. In fact, the first dozen times I heard it, I would be looking around for some kids playing nearby. The vibration, could almost considered be considered a rubbing similiar to what you describe. You can only feel the rubbing at slow steering wheel input. Since the column is changed, including, (I assume), the airbag, that problem should have taken care of it. Problem is, I just got a call from service dept., swap is complete, and problem persists.

 

You did not say what kind of trck or year (or I missed it), but here is all I could find about streering issues and TSB's from Ford from the following site:
http://www.intellidog.com/dieselmann/60bulletin.htm


Steering Wheel Shimmy After Riding Over Bumps/Ruts:
Some 05 F-Series trucks may exhibit an oscillation/shimmy in the steering wheel after hitting bumps or ruts in the road. Typical steering wheel movement is 5 degrees and usually smooths out after about 5 oscillations. This condition is more prevalent on 4X4 trucks with steering wheels that have radio and climate controls. The truck will need to be inspected: tire pressure checked; steering damper inspected; all suspension and steering fasteners torqued; steering checked for binding; steering gear adjustment checked/adjusted. After this, trucks build prior to 10-8-04 should have the steering wheel replaced.
King Ranch tan/pebble: 5C7Z-3600-ABE
Charcoal black: 5C7Z-3600-CBA
TSB 04-26-01


04 F-Series/Excursion Power Steering Noise:
Some trucks may exhibit a moan or grunt noise from the power steering when turning the steering wheel, usually more pronounced on left turns. The noise may sound like it's coming from the steering gear or column. Replace the hydraulic pressure line running from the brake hydroboost to the steering gear, and the return line running from the gear to the cooler. Take care to prevent any debris from entering the hydraulic system.
Pressure line: 4C3Z-3A719-C
Return line: 4C3Z-3A713-A
TSB 04-23-08


05 F-Series Steering Gear Noise:
Some trucks built before 11-24-04 may exhibit a noise when turning the steering wheel, especially left turns. The noise may sound like it's coming from the steering gear or column. To repair, replace the steering gear with part number 5C3Z-3504-AA. Broadcast Message 3509.


Do any of these fixes sound like they may help you out (or at least show them to your dealer)???

Good luck,

Jeff

 

My '05 has the noise/grind on left turns, was told the boot thing but the last I heard was the TSB that told the dealer to do nothing until ford figured it out.
The DSB board said mine was fixed although nothing was ever done (boy aren't they bright?) so I guess I will go back and see if they will do something now.....

 

Truck is an 05 CC SB 6.0 auto lariet fx4 w/controls in the wheel. Mine does not sound like the issues you describe. Mine sounds like the wheel is rubbing on courderoy when turning, and the vibration is only in the first 20-30 degrees of the wheel movement.

 

My 2005 also had the sound and feel of something rubbing or dragging when turning the steering wheel. The dealer replaced the steering gear and it completely solved the problem.