Steerin Wheel Creaks

[Ric]

I've read it's a known issue, but I hardly ever notice it because...well, I have the THX sound system. Anyway, when I have a passenger and I don't want to abuse their ears, I turn down the music and I have to listen to that creaking sound. I called the dealer to tell them I was brining it in and the service guy acknowledged that it's a common problem and said they have to replace the power steeing fluid. Now, I swear, this sound is coming from the steering column, not the rack. I even feel an accompanying vibration in the wheel when I turn it and hear that sound. Has anyone else had to have this fixed?

 

[ToddG]

I've read it's a known issue, but I hardly ever notice it because...well, I have the THX sound system. Anyway, when I have a passenger and I don't want to abuse their ears, I turn down the music and I have to listen to that creaking sound. I called the dealer to tell them I was brining it in and the service guy acknowledged that it's a common problem and said they have to replace the power steeing fluid. Now, I swear, this sound is coming from the steering column, not the rack. I even feel an accompanying vibration in the wheel when I turn it and hear that sound. Has anyone else had to have this fixed?

This is a known issue on the 2003 and some 2004 models. You will hear a roughness or scratching sound coming from the column, especially at low speeds such as when you are parking. Your dealer is doing exactly the right fix by replacing the power steering fluid. There is a Technical Sevice Bulletin that calls for a replacing the power steering fluid and replacing it with new fluid spiked with some friction modifier. This is the first phase of the fix. If this doesn't work, they order a new rack.

 

[Smokey]

Mine does this also. I'll get them to repair it the next time I take it in.

 

[ROKK]

Hello all,

Mine does it only when tilting up and down. However, I would never think of it needing power steering fluid. Has anyone else had this problem and/or know of any suggestions??

Thanks

 

[ROKK]

Squeaky steering

Hello all,

Mine does it only when tilting up and down. However, I would never think of it needing power steering fluid. Has anyone else had this problem and/or know of any suggestions??

Thanks

 

[ToddG]

Hello all,

Mine does it only when tilting up and down. However, I would never think of it needing power steering fluid. Has anyone else had this problem and/or know of any suggestions??

Thanks

If it creaks only when you tilt up or down, that sounds like a different problem. I've never heard of it.

 

[linc21806]

creaking sound

hey i got an 03 ls, bought it brand new off the lot back then and about 6 months into ownership I started to hear a weird creaking sound which was annoying coming from the steering column which as another member sttated earlier happens at low speeds such as when parking. i took it back to the dealership and they found it was the rack and pinion. this has been a tsb on the lincoln ls 03 and up. if you are still under warranty i recommend you get it fixed asap b/c it is a 900$ plus job. ever since i had mine replaced i have had no problem w/it anymore.

 

[ROKK]

Thanks guys. Mine is no longer under warranty, but I will get it checked out ASAP! It's a 2001 with 110k, so it's almost acceptable to put $900 in a steering-related issue.

Peace

 

[ToddG]

Thanks guys. Mine is no longer under warranty, but I will get it checked out ASAP! It's a 2001 with 110k, so it's almost acceptable to put $900 in a steering-related issue.

Peace

The TSB for this does not apply to 2001 models anyway. It's likely not the same problem.