Noise coming from steering column when turning??

[jseeba]

Hey,

I had a question... I have a 91 Explorer (Eddie Bauer). Sometimes when I'm on the freeway (at least 55 mph+), I get this noise coming from what seems the steering column. It almost sounds like a bike chain or something. It typically comes when I'm going around a turn.

I'm going on a 10k mile cross-country road trip for a month and I wanted to know if this was something serious enough to look at before I leave.

If anyone knows what it might be (and how much it might cost to get fixed) that would be great.

Thanks for the expertise... I've been amazed with the knowledge that people have on this board, so I knew it was the first place to look for advice.

Have a good one.

- jason
www.seeba.net

 

[section525]

Jason... does it seem like it could be your power steering? Fords are known for having very loud p/s units.

Welcome to the Forum! Us NorCal guys are a rare breed on this thing!

 

[jseeba]

I'm not sure if it's the power steering... I used to have a Granada that made some weird power steering noises... this sounds more like a chain or something.

Any other ideas?

 

[section525]

Hmm.. the power steering will make a sort of whine sound.

What does a chain sound like?

 

[jseeba]

It's sounds kind of like a bike chain that would be clicking or catching a bit.

Sorry for the lame explanation... the best I could think of.

 

[RiverRat]

Steering column bearings? Is the noise inside or louder outside?

 

[jseeba]

I'm not really sure if it's outside since it only happens when I'm driving on the freeway. I think though that it's inside because it sound's like it's coming from very near the steering column...

 

[dudewhtsup]

maybe a boot problem guys??? what do ya think?

 

[TPLYNCH]

jseeba, Do you have 4x4 with auto-hubs??

 

[jseeba]

I do have a 4x4... but I'm pretty ignorant... what are auto-hubs?

 

[Redrig]

there hubs that you dont need to lock in first to put it in 4wd also if your ex has a speedo cable it could be that i think?

 

[TPLYNCH]

Could be your hubs are shot. When they go, they'll start making all sorts of noise, whether you are in 4x4 or not. The hubs are what lock the front wheels in to 4x4.