Annoying squeek in steering column starting to get to me

[JAG1]

Had my 02 now for 7,8 years and never been able to stop the rough road squeak coming from the steering column. I think that's the source, but, difficult to pinpoint except that the squeak slows down/ almost goes away when I push forward on the auto trans shift lever.

I think this is why this truck was available/ very low miles at the time of purchase. Squeek did not bother me then but now seems like my ears are on auto focus.

[Ilikeoldfords]

Is there a bushing or something that can wear out on the shift linkage? I am just trying to think of what moving parts are inside the column. Something with the tilt maybe? You could pull the black plastic covers off the column and drive it for a little while. Might be able to pin point the noise better that way.

[JAG1]

Thank you. That's an idea and moving the tilt too. To see if squeak changes.

 

I don't think it's a worn bushing as the truck came with this squeak with only 29 k miles.

 

I took the covers off before looking for something but chickened out on spraying any oil inside there.

 

Would it hurt wiring or anything to spray some lube down the column tube?

[MnTom]

Would it hurt wiring or anything to spray some lube down the column tube?

Nope. All the wiring goes on the outside of the column.

[JAG1]

Thanks MnTom. The auto shift linkage, where I think the squeak emanates from, is outside the tube also, right?

[rancherman]

I've   stopped   underdash  squeaks  with   a  spray bomb of  silicone..    Does your  squeak   come  with  road bumps  or  when you turn the wheel?

[JAG1]

It squeaks with road bumps.

So just get silicone spray lube and go to work on it, right? Only spray a little at a time in order to figure out where it coming from.

[rancherman]

Let er rip! LOL    (protect your  upholstery,  rugs etc)      Most of the time,  my squeaks  would  disappear for about a year before needing  more

[JAG1]

'Ride On'! Thanks to all you guys, I feel confident I will pinpoint it now. Rancherman you got to be the one with the roughest roads too, I would imagine.

[BART]

Turn up the radio or install and MBRP "straight through" muffler.  Just kidding, the silicone spray may work well.

[JAG1]

I know your kidding..... I would like the straight thru piping Bart but, I live in this very quiet area with nothing but dead end roads. Folks love the peace around here...all end of the road kinda' folks. Even though we are farther apart due to acreages we all enjoy, the canyons and hills seem to make everything echo or reverberate around here.

Edited September 14, 2014 by JAG1

[Wild and Free]

Tons of info on this subject and a source for the fix here if this is your issue.

 

http://rocksolidramtrucksteering.com/

[JAG1]

Thanks wild and Free, I put that in favorites

[Dave3500]

Thanks for the link W&F. My noise sounds like the fan bearing is going out. Makes no difference if I shut the fan off or not. I will have to check this spring out for too much play.

 

Dave

[jlwelding]

Mine has been squeaking, growling and making all kinds of noise for two years. I have tried putting oil everything. I even replaced the clock spring, nothing works. Drive it.