Noise - Vibration in steering column in really hot temps

Steve_382 · 07-12-2011, 04:45 PM

Hard to describe this, but if it's really hot outside, I get a strange vibration/noise when I turn the steering wheel either direction. Doesn't matter whether I am moving or sitting still. Feels like a rubber gasket or something dragging. Not very loud, almost like a cat purring (for Jage). Seems to go away after driving for a while, but of course, the AC has cooled the interior by then also. Don't think it's serious, but wondered if anyone else has heard/felt this. I had the Ford dealer look at it today, but of course they found nothing.

Thanks,
Steve

Seattle · 07-12-2011, 05:25 PM

I get a similar sound and had a similar response from the dealer.

**daveb** · 07-12-2011, 09:08 PM

Sounds like you're low on power steering fluid. Maybe it's burnt fluid?

Steve_382 · 07-14-2011, 04:08 PM

I talked to Quigley (Tiger) and he sent me a Technical Service Bulletin from Ford that says it is probably the rubber gasket around the steering column where it goes through the firewall. I went out and messed around with it a little and the noise is gone. If someone can tell me how to upload a pdf file, I will post it here. Here is a picture of where it goes through the firewall from inside the van.
Ford says to:
Resear the rubber seal around the steering column.
Lubrication of the boot without properly placing the center ring is only a temporary repair.
Push down on the seal in the area round the shaft from inside the vehicle until there are no signs of bulge or folds.

Steve_382 · 07-21-2011, 04:34 PM

I also sprayed a little silicone lubricant on the gasket, turned the steering wheel like a madman, and so far it seems to have silenced the beast. It was certainly hot enough today with a heat index about 110 degrees. Why am I not out in Glacier or up in Tuolomne Meadows? May work on leaving in a week or two.