Steering Noise ???

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E

ebod

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I've got an intermittent noise that I think is steering related and that I'd love help with diagnosing. I'd describe it as a rubbing/vibration/honking/ sound, not too loud. You can kind of slightly "feel" it in the floorboards too. It happens only intermittently, more often after the car has been parked for a while (but it seems to be getting more frequent or at least to happen a bit further into my drive). It occurs when I'm doing slower, but more sharp, turns (e.g., a U-turn or a hard turn at a corner) and when the wheel is returning to center from a slow sharp turn.

A couple of other data points are as follows. My steering fluid tank was low (not empty) and I did a fake flush on it. I filled it, drove a bit, sucked fluid out with a transfer pump, filled it back up (repeated two more times) . I used Toyota ATF (that met the dextron specs in my owners manual). It seemed to get better for a while, but now the noise is back (fluid level is still good). Also, in case it matters, it has been a while since I've lubed the drive shafts (the truck is not driveline thunking, but it's definitely time to get some grease in there).

Any suggestions as to what this could be, would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!
 
It might be a bad steering rack. Is it an OEM rack? How many miles are on your 100?

Does it make any noises when turning the wheels when the vehicle is stationary?
 
I have developed a problem where I believe my steering rack makes a creaking sound every once in a while when I move the steering from left to right. My truck has a 150K miles on it. What would that cost me to replace? Is it something I should be concerned with?
 
OP Here. My rack is the original OEM rack (I've had the vehicle since new). It does not make the noise when I turn from lock to lock while stationary (does that fact cut for or against it being a rack problem?). Also, it seems to do it far more often when I'm turning right than when I'm turning left.

Thanks!
 
I
ItalianOne said:
I have developed a problem where I believe my steering rack makes a creaking sound every once in a while when I move the steering from left to right. My truck has a 150K miles on it. What would that cost me to replace? Is it something I should be concerned with?
Click to expand...
have that same issue and just put a new steering rack in last month
 
If doing fake flushes helped, do a fully flush. I like M1 MV full synthetic AFT. Search mud and you'll find how easy it easy and can be done with engine off. Check drive belt all so, and tensioner marks are to spec. Additional look at steering rack while someone turns steering wheel for you (or use video camera)
 
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I have the same thing. I read somewhere to put some spray lube on the boot where the steering wheel "shaft" enters the engine bay. Wherever I read this, a lot of people were saying it worked like a charm. Haven't tried it yet, but it's cheaper than what others have suggested.
 
I have some noise as well. On mine the noise is mostly when I'm turning to the left full lock. I need to do a flush on power steering. Still on OG rack with 97k miles.
 
I think the sound the OP is describing is inside the cabin, I have the same noise when the wheel returns to center- it's a rub of some sort, that is coming from the steering column somewhere between the firewall and the dash panel. I think the post by getserious is the target area. To me it sounds like a rubber part, which would make sense if it's the boot he described.
 
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