Pinpoint Test H: Steering System Noise

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Mercury Mariner and 2007 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

H1 CHECK FOR MECHANICAL NOISE
- Test drive the vehicle to verify the steering system noise.
- Does the steering system make a clunking noise when rotating the steering wheel from left to right?
1. YES : CHECK for loose, worn or damaged tie-rod ends. REFER to Component Test, Steering Linkage.
  If the noise is from the steering column, CHECK the steering column intermediate shaft for grounding through the body and REPAIR as necessary.
  
  If the noise is from the steering column boot bushing, INSTALL a new steering column boot bushing. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
  
  If the noise is from the suspension components, INSTALL new suspension components as necessary. REFER to FRONT SUSPENSION article.
  
  If the noise is from loose, worn or damaged intermediate shaft U-joint(s), INSTALL a new steering column coupling. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
2. NO : If a squeak is present in the steering column, REPAIR the steering column mountings or ALIGN the steering column as necessary. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
3. For all other concerns, go to H2 .
H2 VERIFY THE CONCERN
NOTE: Make sure the vehicle is on a flat, dry surface, the transmission is in PARK and the windows are rolled up.

NOTE: Some power steering noise is expected. If in doubt of the acceptability of the noise level, evaluate another vehicle of the same model and powertrain.
- Key in START position.
- Turn the steering wheel one-half turn off-center to the right, then one-half turn off-center to the left.
- Is the power steering noisy?
1. YES : If a grunting noise is present, VERIFY the steering column boot is OK and the exhaust system is not grounding out.
  If a moan is present, VERIFY the tie-rod ends and ball joints are OK.
  
  INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
2. NO : If the steering system noise is a hiss or whistle, INSPECT the steering column boot at the dash panel. REPAIR or INSTALL a new boot as necessary. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
  INSPECT the steering gear input shaft for wear or damage. REFER to POWER STEERING article.
  
  INSPECT the power steering gear and intermediate shaft and repair as necessary.
  
  INSPECT for openings or missing plugs in the instrument panel cowl and repair as necessary.
  
  If there are no missing plugs or openings in the cowl or a grounded power steering gear or intermediate shaft, INSTALL a new steering gear. REFER to POWER STEERING article.