Steering Wheel Squeeks

[Klaus Raddatz]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this forum, but i hope you can help me.

I have an '04 LS, with a squeek that seems to be coming out of the steering column whenever I turn the wheel. It gets worse as the car warms up. Starting happening right after the dealer changed the engine oil for the first time. I took it back and they replaced the power steering fluid and added a friction modifier to the PS oil. My first thought was that the guy who changed the engine oil added the wrong fluid to the PS reservoir. The problem went away for a couple of weeks, but now it's back and getting worse. Before I take it in again, I'd like to know if anyone else has had this problem, and if anyone knows what's going on. I'm afraid there's a part in failure mode, and the dealer is just trying to patch it up.

Any ideas?

Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Klaus

[CGGorman]

First I've heard of it.

[johnslincoln]

I also have a 2004 LS that has the same problem I am schedule an appt with my dealer, will let you know if i get any info

[johnslincoln]

I went to the dealer, thier is a recall according to my paper work it is recall # 04-10-1/MAY 04/Steering - Steering Gear Noise/Vibration.

I got it fixed yesterday and so far no noise

[Klaus Raddatz]

Thanks for the info johnslincoln. I just received notice that I need to bring my LS (and Mountaineer) back for a transmission fluid additive. Seems the trans fluid wasn't the correct formulation and they want to add something to correct it. If you haven't received a notification yet, you probably will shortly. I'll mention that recall when I bring it in, and post the result as well.

[johnslincoln]

I did get that Recall yesterday the day I brought my car in, thier is also one out for the reception on the AM radio, I did not get a notice for this one but I did find it out on the web

I brought my car in for the Transmission problem before receiving notice, they mentioned it may be the recall. After having the car all day they told me they had to order the part/fliud. So you dont have to make two trips you may want to ask them if they have it in stock when making your appt.

[Klaus Raddatz]

Update on the squeeky wheel...

Finally got the car back to the dealership and was promptly told that Ford was aware of the problem and a service bulletin had been published. When I asked what their fix was (hoping it was something new), I was told that a friction modifier is added to the PS oil. Told them that had already been done, and the problem reoccured by the time I got home (10 miles). So, next step was to flush the rack & pinion, refill with oil and test. Problem was still there, so they replaced the rack and pinion. Problem solved. Wish they would have just done that to begin with (yeah, I know, Ford has to watch costs too).

Just wanted to let you know...

Klaus

[jsred]

I have the exact same problem on my 04

The first time I took it in, they sprayed silicone all over it. It last about 2 days before it started again..

Thanks so much for letting us know what they said.. I have to take it in again this weekend..

Have you had any other probs in your 04? It feels like my car always has something wrong, especially this odd vibration/grinding sound intermittently going up hills.. And odd rattles throughout the car..

[el es]

looks like the start of another bad LS habbit.

[chinsta]

I have an 04 as well and have the same problem! Took it to the dealer and they added the treatment to the pump but still squeeks. The squeek sounds like it is coming from within the column itself. I need to take it back and see what they say!!!

[Klaus Raddatz]

jsred: I haven't had any other problems with my LS. Overall, its been a pretty good car.

chinsta: That is exactly the problem I had. Sounds just like the noise is coming from the column.

By all means take your cars back and have them replace the rack (steering gear as they call it).

Klaus

[tommvca]

dealer un-squeaked mine by replacing a part in the steering wheel and lubricating it. works fine.

[1865 Lincoln]

my 04 had a drag and a noise, the dealer fixed it, that lasted 20k. Now I just live with it.