Funny Steering Noise

[Funmart6]

My car is making a strange noise when I turn the wheel to the right. It is not a whinning sound (so I ruled out the pump making the noise),more like a long squeaking or binding noise. It doesn't do it all the time and it seems to be only when the wheel is turned to the right. Does anyone have a clue what this could be, is it a common problem on the Gen 3 Taurus or is this a SHO problem exclusively? shrug Thank You for any info on this subject!

<small>[ November 16, 2003, 09:46 PM: Message edited by: Funmart6 ]</small>

 

[XLSuruaT]

there was a tsb for nonsho 96-97's with bad ps racks and return lines when a groan is heard after making a right while the wheel returns to center. Since you car has the zf, I dont tihnk it would be related.

 

[ricky]

noise at any speed? any degree of turn? any fluid loss? noise from under hood or at/or near wheel?

 

[Funmart6]

ricky:
noise at any speed? any degree of turn? any fluid loss? noise from under hood or at/or near wheel?

The noise is at slow speeds at any degree, and I was wrong about one thing, it does make the noise when the wheel is turned to the left also but is not as noticeable. I have experienced no loss of fluid, and the sound seems to be closer to the wheel rather than under the hood. Is there a way to grease the linkage, or could there be a rubber grommet or something causing the noise? It sounds kinda like steel rubbing against rubber, a low pitched squeak. Hope this helps in diagnosing the problem.

 

[Funmart6]

Just to clarify.When I say slow speeds, I mean slow, like when I am backing out of my driveway, or turning from a dead stop, or in a parking lot.

 

[stephen newberg]

Tie rod ends, possibly. They will make a rubbing sort of sounds at very low speeds when turning if they have died. Did on mine, anyway.

pax, smn

 

[ricky]

yep, sounds like tie rod ends, time to jack up the front end and pinpoint the source.

 

[Funmart6]

okay I misundertood when it was asked if the sound was under the hood or closer to the wheel, I thought "wheel" was the steering wheel. Anyway,check this one,it has rained here today and I have not heard the noise at all, maybe something just needs to be lubricated? shrug

<small>[ November 18, 2003, 09:41 PM: Message edited by: Funmart6 ]</small>

 

[stephen newberg]

That is sounding more like the tie rod ends or the subframe connectors. Both of these will often stop making noise for a bit when wet. Neither are really lubrication problems so much as wear out when you are hearing them.

pax, smn

 

[SHOZ123]

Might be strut bearings. Is the noise worse when cold?

 

[Funmart6]

All I can tell you is that the noise comes and goes, it is a mystery. I hear it in the mornings when I am leaving for work, and I hear it later after the car has been driven a while. In the mornings it is kind of cold here, but in the afternoons it is warm, I hear the noise regardless of the temperature. I guess the thing to do is put the car up on jackstands, get under the car and have someone turn the steering wheel.
Thanks for all the info. thumb