Rubbing sound in steering

[double_take]

Anyone have any idea what would cause a rubbing sound in the steering. It sounds like it's comming from the steering shaft and I can feel it in the pedels. It only happens when the steering wheel is going counter-clickwise and only between the 2-3 o'clock position.

I can tell something is sticking because if I let the steering wheel "free wheel" back after a turn it sticks for just a bit when it makes the sound.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Rich

 

[double_take]

Any ideas at all?

 

[IZwack]

Have you checked the level of the power steering fluid?

 

[Afboy143]

How many miles on your explorer do you have?

On mine at bout 90k miles it kept making a rubbing sound whenever I would turn to the left or the right while driving. Turns out because my balljoints were shot to ****. I replaced the upper and lower balljoints along with the tierod ends and it all went away. Let me tell you how fun that task was!

 

[double_take]

Power steering fluid is fine. When it warms up i'll have someone help me determine exactly where the sound is coming from.

 

[Gonzo]

I also have a 98 sport that does the same thing. The first thing that comes to mind is a TSB. It has to do with a vibrating steering hose and bracket. This is what is wrong with mine, but I didn't fix it, since it won't cause any damage. Just an annoying noise. There are other possibilities though. Check out my thread. Hope this helps.

 

[double_take]

OK well I had a friend help and it sounds like the noise is coming from the actual steering shaft about where the pedals are. Does this ever need to be lubricated? If so how would I do it?

The sound is also starting to show up going clockwise with the wheel as well as counter clockwise.

I guess this is just one more thing to add to my list of things to fix once we thaw out a little.