This one has me stumped. It seems like it is coming from the firewall area. The steering box was just replaced and the entire linkage is new as well. It is not coming from the steering pump or the the steering box. The steering shaft seems tight, I really don't know what the problem is. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

did it happen before or after the steering box was replaced? there is a bearing at the end of the column (at the fire wall) check your brake lines under the master cyl. they may be rubbing on the shaft

 

do you have enough power steering fluid in the resevoir? If not, that'll probably be your moan.

 

It began after replacing the box. It is not rubbing on the brakes and the power steering fluid is full. It must be the bearing at the end of the column. I will have to look into thaat some more. How does this become damaged? I have done a lot of research and have never heard of anyone replacing this.

 

I would not be surprised if the gear box had a dry seal on the input side. I have seen a number of fwd rack and pinion setups do a very similar thing. it's not really a problem just bothersome. as soon as the rack is replaced (no noise). and since it happened after it was replaced I think it points in a direction

 

Bad lower shaft bearing? It happens more than you might think:



I've replaced them. They are typically damaged by heat and corrosion.

 

What exactly is that? Is that where the column goes into the firewall? It looks scary. I just think it is odd that it would start as soon as the box was replaced. This looks like something that would get progressively worse, rather than start all at once. If this does need to be replaced, how big of a job is it? Thanks for all of the help guys.

 

That is the lower end of a steering column outer jacket (on the left). There is a bushing and felt/foam seal pad impregnated with lubricant (well, at least it was 15-some years ago) that is supposed to prevent noise. The flange is what bolts to the firewall.

 

Well, it seems as though I lucked out and all it needed was a little lube. Thanks Vader for the lesson, I really never knew those parts were in there.