My son has a 94 F150 that the horn wouldn't work on, air bag light stayed on, and had a grinding whenever you turned the steering wheel (whether moving or not). Sometimes the grind turned to a catch when you were driving and the steering wheel actually required more force to turn it. I remember the sound like it was an old horn button spring that got out of place and would grind between the wheel and the turn signal switch.

Our sure bet was to replace the clock spring. Now the horn works, the airbag light goes out, but the grinding and catching is still there in the wheel. I'm thinking it's too dangerous to drive, but I don't know where to look next. I've had folks tell me to check the power steering fluid and pump, but you can actually feel metal against metal through the wheel when you're turning it. It feels like it's right behind the wheel. Had another person tell me it felt like the steering wheel lock was trying to engage while he was turning the wheel. The steering wheel is tight on the column, but it's got just a little bit of wobble in it. Truck has tilt wheel and the symptoms don't change regardless of the position of the wheel. I searched the sight for over an hour and the closest thing I could find was a squeaking sound. This definitely isn't a squeak. It's a grind. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

John
Birmingham, AL

 

i'd check the steering shaft bearings.

 

I'm having these issue as well, except my has a lot of wobble in it and it's scary to drive......how bad are the steering shaft bearings to change?....And how bad would it be to replace the entire column? This is an 95' F-350 2x4 with tilt and cruise........Thanks guys