Steering column rattle

[Timoteo]

I have a steering column rattle/clank. I have noticed that similar problems have been report to th NHTSA. Has anyone had any success with addressing this? I've read that the NHTSA database people have reported repairs ranging from column replacements to rack and pinion replacements, but not resolving the issue. Any one else having the same issue or have had it fixed? The rattle is most prevelant at lower speeds 20 - 30 mph.

 

[newtek007]

I have it too!!!!

I have the same D@#n Rattle!!!! Excuse my French, but I have posted here about the exact same thing with my 2002 Explorer, and there was another post that has lead me to beleive that either the lower or upper intermediate shafts are bad designs. Someone else claimed that Ford redesigned the lower intermediate shaft, but asking the local dealership about this, they looked at me like I was an idiot.
Anyway, the rattle sounds like metal is rolling around in the steering column and when the truck goes over bumps you can feel play in it. When I am stopped I can grab the top of the wheel and move it back and forth and feel it bump like something is loose.
Once I get the money I am goinf to replace the lower shaft and see what happens.

 

[Timoteo]

Thanks for the reply.
Are the shafts that you refer to the shafts fron the steering wheel headed down the the steering rack? I've tried grabbing the shafts on mine and I can't feel anything that is loose. Please keep me posted if you have success.

 

[newtek007]

Shafts

Yeah. That's what I'm talking about. Mine are tight as a drum too. However, I have been told that even the smallest amount of play can result in the steering problem. It takes the weight of the tires to reveal the play in the column.

 

[mctoy]

Cant remember now exactly what it was, but I read SOMEWHERE about some mounting 'tabs' or 'bracket' type things under the steering wheel. The guy said there were 3 of them I believe, (black) and that he found one cracked, or broken. I think they hold a plate (horn?) in place and that the broken one allowed it to make a 'clank' as he described it when hitting bumps....Sorry cant remember more. I will try searching the other sites a bit and see if I can find it.

 

[newtek007]

Interesting

I would like to hear more about this if you can dig up the info. Thanks.

 

[mctoy]

Looked on a bunch of sites last night and couldnt find it. It was an "Oh by the way if you have a clank..." kind of thing in a post about something else. Coulda even been here, but cant remember what the post was about. One thing I do know that you can check, (Assuming it's not tie rods/ball joint etc) is right down by the floor on the steering shaft is a connection point (2 piece shaft) Looks like a 'band' with a bolt on it. Check to make sure it's tight. Also just below it, (on the engine side) is the shaft u-joint. Check it also for looseness or play. Ill keep lookin....Good luck!

 

[mctoy]

Newtek - timoteo,
I found what I think is talking about the same thing here! (Not the one I remembered, but essentially the same) Do a search for "chunk of lead under steering wheel", or maybe just "Chunk of lead". Hope this helps, let me know!
MCTOY

 

[Sentry6]

Wow... old post... same exact problem with my 02 explorer steering rattle at low speed can feel it and hear it in the column... really annoying... anyone every find a solution? entire front end is pretty new, ball joints, tierods, hubs. my other 02 doesnt do it and the steering feels completely different.

 

[p71]

Check that the bolts which hold the front fixed portion of the tilt steering column onto the frame are all tight. I had one (of three or four?) bolts which was about a half of a turn too loose, causing a rattle right under the gauges when going over every bump in the road.

 

[Sentry6]

Will check thank you. But this clearly sounds like marbles rattling around just under the steering wheel.

 

[BigRondo]

My write-up on changing the the multifunction switch shows how to take the covers off the steering column and might help you find the rattle: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=279556

Good luck!