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buying one soon
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Hi Guys,

Just wondering if any of you have any ideas on why I hear a squeakin/rubbing noise anytime I turn my steering wheel? I have no idea on even where to begin looking? Thanks in advance for your help guys!
 

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2002 F55 STS, 2014 Explorer XLT, F-150
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Take the car out on a straight, quiet road and get up to 30. Now make a series of "slowdowns" by rhythmically pumping the brake pedal so as to get the front of the cat bouncing up and down as the pedal is pressed and released. Do the same in a series of turns if you can.

Is there a groaning or low-pitched creak at the base of the steering column ? If so, its the Intermediate Steering Shaft, subject of more posts last year. Not an easy replacement - tight work and the car needs to be up on a lift.

If not, it will be either the upper or lower column bearing itself, which is no picnic because yo have to disassemble the steering column.
 

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98 Deville, '15 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium, '12 Ford Escape
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If its the latter pat of Sub's description, that is what mine does. But normally it only does the squeak in the winter when its cold. Its an expensive fix my dealer says because they said its going to cost over $1000 in parts to replace. I think they just don't like me. ;)
 

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2002 F55 STS, 2014 Explorer XLT, F-150
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2+2=4. Where is the rubbing noise ???? Lots of possibilities if it's not in the steering column area..........
 

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1997 Cadillac STS (BOSE w/AUX In, Massage Seats, URPAS, "Z")
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6,405 Posts
Here is a possible culprit: the strut plastic cover (that thing enveloping the strut located inside the spring shaped like a round accordion bellow). You would not believe how loud that thing can be! And yes it makes a creepy squeaking sound (like the sound of a huge old door in a horror movie).
 

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1999 White Diamond ETC
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2,540 Posts
Mine makes a squeaking sound, but I think mine is inside the cabin, on the actual steering wheel and the plastics surrounding it... Something rubs, I think. But whenever I do hear it I'm always in a hurry and I don't pull over to examine it.
 

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98 Deville, '15 Ford Fusion Hybrid Titanium, '12 Ford Escape
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Here is a possible culprit: the strut plastic cover (that thing enveloping the strut located inside the spring shaped like a round accordion bellow). You would not believe how loud that thing can be! And yes it makes a creepy squeaking sound (like the sound of a huge old door in a horror movie).
this thing???

 

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2016 Honda Accord LX. Previous: 2004 Deville, 2000 STS
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3,718 Posts
My intermediate steering shaft bearing makes more of a rattling noise than a squeak. GM has updated the design and the color changed from green to orange. I had a new steering shaft installed last year and I was supposed to have a bearing installed but it never made it. It still makes a rattling noise going over really rough pavement.
 

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1997 Cadillac STS (BOSE w/AUX In, Massage Seats, URPAS, "Z")
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this thing???



Sorry can see the picture, and I got bored looking for a nice picture of a new strut, so this picture of the used ones should do-it:


I am referring to the bellow witch is the plastic (yes plastic not rubber) antelope over the strut (inside the coil spring) looking like this:


When I had the car last time to the shop to have my loose rack and pinion tightened, when investigating the issue, the mechanic also notice the creeping noise coming from the right side wheel when turning the steering wheel (that on top of the big bang noise from the loose rack). He disconnected the tie rood and turned the wheel left right, the wheel was moving with no restriction but he concluded the nose is caused by the spring, but I notice the noise is not caused by the spring but rater the bellow (upper side) is the culprit. Sometimes does-it some time it doesn’t, and yup is one of my brand new OEM struts replaced last summer (upper strut mounts are also 1 year new – OEM but are fine).

EDIT:
Oh, now I can see the picture…no is not that one (that one is rubber).
 

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2001 Eldorado ETC
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6 Posts
Hi,

I may have the same problem on my '01 Eldorado. Sounds kinda like a brake pad warnig squeal against the rotor, but it's not. Lots of pad left to go. Happens on turns, right or left, lower speeds, but not always. So my question is this; If it is this plastic strut cover, is it a problem that needs fixing, or should I just make the radio louder? thanks...
 

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2002 F55 STS, 2014 Explorer XLT, F-150
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kenscaddy, Does your car have inner dust shields for the rotors ? Others have found that a loose or bent dust shield will squeal much like brake pad warning fingers.
 

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2001 Eldorado ETC
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6 Posts
Submariner, thanks for pointing me in the right direction...Turns out the dust shield (backing plate) on the backside of the left front wheel was damaged inward and just barely touching the rotor when I made turns...

Wanted to share with everyone! Thanks again...
 

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2002 F55 STS, 2014 Explorer XLT, F-150
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80,417 Posts
Another possibility is the intermediate steering shaft - that sliding connection between the lower end of the steering column and the rack. GM had a run of those in which the grease dried out and the resulting sound, as the front end moves up and down or in turns, can be like a groaning gate or creaking door.

There is a redesigned shaft kit for 2000 - 2003 models, Seville and Deville. (Early in the complaint run there was a lube kit for the original shaft; it didn't work, so therefore the new shaft.)

If you don't have jackstands or better yet, a hoist, and a decent tool kit, don't even try it.
 

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N*

"Here is a possible culprit: the strut plastic cover (that thing enveloping the strut located inside the spring shaped like a round accordion bellow). You would not believe how loud that thing can be! And yes it makes a creepy squeaking sound (like the sound of a huge old door in a horror movie)."

How did this get fixed?
 
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