I was wondering if anyone else has experienced the following: I have an 2005 Exp. XLT. When turning the wheel at very slow speeds, there is a rubbing/resistance in the steering wheel. The noise seems to be comming from down near the firewall where it meets the steering shaft. It is at the dealer today for the second time for this issue. The first time they replaced the "intermediate steering shaft"..this did not rectify the problem. It almost seems like a lubrication issue, however, I am starting to wonder if it can be the rack?

 

Is it a rubbing noise or does it feel like a front wheel is rubbing (through the steering wheel). If you feel it through the steering wheel, believe it or not it can be coming from the rear end. I usually feel it when turning left at slow speed (2003 Expy EB). The fix is changing your rear end fluid and adding the recommended friction modifier. Supposedly, not a major issue but does feel strange.

 

i had a similar problem on my 97 expy. my noise was a creeking/rubbing sound. i fixed it by lubing the fittings and with a needle attachment on the grease gun i injected the cv boot.

 

Check your brake pads.

 

I have maybe the same problem, 06 EB. It's in the shop right now for the 2nd time also. Of course they didn't find anything the first time. Mine makes a rubbing noise/feeling in the wheel when parked and you move the wheel back and forth. I also can feel a knock it the column when I hit small bumps. All of this is more noticeable when it's colder. I assume it's something in the linkage of the rack. I'll post what they find, which I have a feeling won't be anything. They don't seem to listen or look very hard when you have low miles (25k)

 

My Wifes 03 Eb Expe Has Same Prob After Brakes And Rotors Were Done At 30k. Please Let Us Know What Dealership Did.and Did It Go Away?

 

They actually found something. It was the steering rack. What a difference now. Nice and tight.

 

Osborne0915..just got a call from the dealership today, basically they are not going to replace the rack, they say the rubbing soud is "normal", after they tried two previous times...it figures...can you tell us what dealer did your rack..I would love to call them and consult wit them..thanks

 

Poughkeepsie Ford 845.462.6649
Good luck..

 

However, the orig. dealer had it all last week for the 3rd time. The first time he replaced the intermediate steering shaft. The second time they lubed the rubber gromet around the floor board/firewall and replaced the steering fluid. Last week, the third time, they now deemed the rubbing noise "normal"...I even pointed them out to the fact that your dealer replaced your rack, and gave them the dealer's number. The indeed did call the dealer, only to tell me you problem was "more severe" than mine..?? I pick it up last friday and call the next closest dealer and give them the FULL story. They tell me to bring it in monday morning to see the shop Foreman. I do so and he confirms the noise, I leave it there monday at noon. Yesterday, Tuesday at 4pm, I receive a call to pick up my EXPY...they replaced the steeing rack, and, low and behold, the rubbing noise is finally gone. I will be sending an e-mail to the first dealer's Executives explaining this whole thing....thanks for all of the help....by the way, the clunk is still in the column, but I think that is the intermediate shaft that they installed at the first place...I will get that changed, I never had the clunk until they changed that part...