Steering Column Rattle
08-21-2009, 07:44 PM
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Steering Column Rattle
I've read posts regarding death-wobble, tie rod ends and slack in the steering box. My issue is a rattle in the steering column that worsens after the truck is warm. I feel it in the steering wheel and can hear it as well. I know there is an after-market nylon donut that can be added but it makes steering difficult in the cold. My tires wear evenly and my steering box has little play. Any thoughts on a fix?
08-21-2009, 10:53 PM
#2
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Steering shaft itself? Mine is making a noise even with a fairly new front end, but its only when turning. Checked it out and my steering shaft has alot of play in it.
08-23-2009, 01:22 PM
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might be the rag joint ontop of the intermediate shaft. I had the same problem and decided to upgrade in that with a Borgeson intermediate shaft. Still working out all the issues with front end suspension wear and tear items: tie rods, track bar, sway bar end links, intermediate shaft, new shocks on all four corners to only find out that my wheel bearings on drivers side is shot.... going to be replacing both wheel bearings tomorrow... lets just say its been an expensive month... all that with only 68k on the clock. It gets expensive having a toy...
08-26-2009, 10:50 AM
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I actually worked on the service fix for this back in the day for atx shift linkage. 2nd gen trucks have a body mounted cross shaft that also attaches to the trans. There are two nylon bushings, one on the body mounted plate and another on the bracket on the trans. Over time they wear and the thing vibrates. Service fixes had consisted of new bushings or Nye brand lube. In the end, there was a behive type spring that was released that side loaded the cross shaft against the brackets.
If this is the noise, simply crawl under the truck (in a safe manner, in park, etc) and grab the cross shaft. If it goes quiet, then that's your problem.
The noise, because of the body mount on the outboard side, will transmit the noise into the cab.
If this is the noise, simply crawl under the truck (in a safe manner, in park, etc) and grab the cross shaft. If it goes quiet, then that's your problem.
The noise, because of the body mount on the outboard side, will transmit the noise into the cab.
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08-26-2009, 11:29 AM
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Possibly, I've heard/felt some good ones. I don't recall if it was felt in the steering column, but given the linkage off the body mounted bracket then runs to the column, it's possible. Pop the hood, the linkage runs through the column like the old school stuff (remember three on the tree?)
08-26-2009, 02:06 PM
#10
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I had a horrible rattle/squeek and it wound up being the shift linkage at the transmission just like described. Also check your front shock bolts. Put the biggest, baddest impact on'em and let it have it. Mine were loose and I replaced the entire front end before I discovered the shocks.
08-27-2009, 07:08 PM
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I have replaced the stock shocks and the noise persists. I'll have a look at the linkage over the weekend and let you all know what I find. I still think it's in the steering column.
08-29-2009, 04:12 PM
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You will have to go examine the truck. Grab the steering shaft & shake it. Play could be in the u-joint(s) or column itself. If no play there, jack the front end up & shake the wheel. Any joint in the steering or suspension can have play but all are SUPPOSED to be solid. None (except ball joint) are difficult to replace.
08-30-2009, 07:50 AM
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Has anyone tried the RockSolidRam steering column bushing for $60? http://rocksolidramtrucksteering.com
08-30-2009, 05:58 PM
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Just had the truck up on the lift and all joints were fine. I believe I've narrowed it down to the steering column and the ATX shift linkage. The "rocksolid" bushing is the one I'm referring to and may go to if I can't find a better solution. I do travel in the North at times where temps approach 0F but not very often. I like the Borgeson steering shaft unit as well. Anyone else with Borgeson experience? Thanks for the input.
08-30-2009, 09:54 PM
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I would say to check the linkage, find a towel or something to roll up and stuff it between the body and the cross shaft. If it disappears, I'd say it's the ATX linkage.
Is this a vibration you merely feel or do you hear a rattle too which is felt in the column?
Is this a vibration you merely feel or do you hear a rattle too which is felt in the column?