Steering wheel loose?

[GaryB]

ok, I've been chasing a sound feeling for a week or so now. When I turn the wheel, once in a while I hear a click. I can feel it in the wheel. I thought it may be the u joints in the column, but when I parked it after work, I realized that you can push (not rotate) the wheel left to right about 1/8" if you try. When you do, you hear the noise I've been hearing. What could cause this? Is it normal with these vehicles?

 

[richs fishes]

I had a weird sort of "clicking" noise from the steering wheel. Also had a bit of play that sort of seemed like worn out tie rod ends. Changing out the lower steering shaft with the u-joints fixed all that for me.

 

[GaryB]

Thanks richs,
That sounds like it then. It may be my next project.

 

[Bill Schmidt]

I just got the expedition 187K miles and dont know the maint history. I have noticed that slight click or gap in the steering at times. I'll try it sitting still.

Is this the part you fixed?

pic:

 

[richs fishes]

I just got the expedition 187K miles and dont know the maint history. I have noticed that slight click or gap in the steering at times. I'll try it sitting still.

Is this the part you fixed?

pic:

View attachment 31906

Thats the one. Got it here: https://www.tascaparts.com/oem-part...ource=yotpo&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=map

 

[Trainmaster]

I've read that this is a fairly common problem with these trucks.

 

[Bill Schmidt]

I remembered to test this sitting still and its firm no tick or click. I only notice the slight tick or click in the steering wheel every once in a while while driving and turning the wheel.

 

[richs fishes]

I remembered to test this sitting still and its firm no tick or click. I only notice the slight tick or click in the steering wheel every once in a while while driving and turning the wheel.

Its probably the u-joint starting to seize up. Once I took my shaft out I was amazed how bad the u-joints really were. One of them could not be moved by hand! Amazed it didnt feel worse when turning the steering wheel.

 

[Bill Schmidt]

OK I finally figured out the sound. The steering wheel has some vertical play in it. Sitting still I can move the steering wheel up and down (toward the roof toward the floor to be perfectly clear) it only move like a 1/16" and make the slight tick sound.

it does not do it turning the wheel only exerting force toward roof or floor.

any concern?

 

[bobmbx]

OK I finally figured out the sound. The steering wheel has some vertical play in it. Sitting still I can move the steering wheel up and down (toward the roof toward the floor to be perfectly clear) it only move like a 1/16" and make the slight tick sound.

it does not do it turning the wheel only exerting force toward roof or floor.

any concern?

Can you tell if the wheel is moving on the steering shaft, or is the tilt assembly moving as a whole?