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Squeaky Steering Wheel '03 Escape
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New User
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Squeaky Steering Wheel '03 Escape
Hello Everybody
I'm a new owner of an '03 Escape, which I purchased from the dealer in May '06. I've never owned a truck before and I love the ride and vision it gives me. Don't think I'll ever go back to a car.
I have one issue that has come up. Everytime it gets hot and humid (in Ontario that's quite a bit) the steering wheel squeaks, the hotter it is, the more it squeaks. I've had the truck in for regular service, and my service rep tells me this is a common epidemic with Escapes and nothing can be done about it.
Has anyone else had this problem and is there anything you did to alleviate this?
thanks
I'm a new owner of an '03 Escape, which I purchased from the dealer in May '06. I've never owned a truck before and I love the ride and vision it gives me. Don't think I'll ever go back to a car.
I have one issue that has come up. Everytime it gets hot and humid (in Ontario that's quite a bit) the steering wheel squeaks, the hotter it is, the more it squeaks. I've had the truck in for regular service, and my service rep tells me this is a common epidemic with Escapes and nothing can be done about it.
Has anyone else had this problem and is there anything you did to alleviate this?
thanks
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 828
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It sounds like you have two pieces of plastic that are rubbing when you turn the wheel. Heat will make plastic expand so that might be why it happens only during hot weather. If you can isolate where the rubbing is occurring, some silicone spray might help.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 464
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From: Texas
There was a TSB on the rubber steering shaft grommet at the firewall needing a little silicone spray. Make sure the squeak is on the inside and not from the rack. Some racks have been replaced due to squeaks.
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Welcome to the forum ChuckTruck 
Have your dealer check TSB # 04-22-10.
In short......
ISSUE:
Some vehicles may exhibit a steering gear squeak when turning the steering wheel. This noise can occur under multiple conditions, but most commonly occurs during low speed parking maneuvers. The squeak can also be heard while turning the wheel when the engine is not running. The noise may sound like it is coming from the steering column boot area near the driver's feet, and then emanate up the steering shaft to the top of the steering column. Do not confuse this high-pitched squeak with a steering moan or whine noise.
ACTION:
Lubricate the steering column boot, then flush out the factory filled power steering fluid and replace with Motorcraft Mercon V (XT-5-QM). Refer to the following Service Procedure.
Have your dealer check TSB # 04-22-10.
In short......
ISSUE:
Some vehicles may exhibit a steering gear squeak when turning the steering wheel. This noise can occur under multiple conditions, but most commonly occurs during low speed parking maneuvers. The squeak can also be heard while turning the wheel when the engine is not running. The noise may sound like it is coming from the steering column boot area near the driver's feet, and then emanate up the steering shaft to the top of the steering column. Do not confuse this high-pitched squeak with a steering moan or whine noise.
ACTION:
Lubricate the steering column boot, then flush out the factory filled power steering fluid and replace with Motorcraft Mercon V (XT-5-QM). Refer to the following Service Procedure.
New User
Joined: Mar 2006
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Hi all. I experienced this same problem on my 03 escape not long after I bought it new. After a couple of attempted repairs...greasing steering column shaft boot and applying silicone around the SIR coil etc...this still did not fix the noise. After the dealer replaced the multi-function switch the squeak/noise disappeared. Has not come back in over 2 years.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Pennsylvania
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New User
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2
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Sorry it took so long to reply. But to answer your question, the multi-function switch is the turn signal/headlamp on-off lever that is attached to the upper part of the steering column but below the wheel & airbag. I believe it was in this area that part of the switch was rubbing and creating the annoying noise.
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