Squeak/Whine Noise from Steering Column or Underhood When Turning Steering While Vehicle is Stationary or During Low Speed Maneuvers (Lubricate Power Steering Gear Input Shaft Contact Surfaces)

Some customers may comment on a squeak/whine noise coming from the steering column or under the hood. This noise occurs when the steering wheel is turned and the vehicle is stationary or during low speed maneuvers.

This noise can easily be mistaken for a noisy SIR coil, column bearing, steering gear, or pump.

This condition may be caused by inadequate lubrication between the steering gear dust cover and the gear housing.

Remove the steering gear dust cover and lubricate the contact surfaces using the procedure below:

1. Raise and suitably support the vehicle.
2. Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly.



3. Remove the lower intermediate steering shaft to power steering gear bolt (4).
4. Remove the lower intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.
5. Remove the dust cover (5) from the steering gear.
6. Apply a generous amount of lubricant, P/N 1051344 (in Canada, use P/N 993037) or equivalent, to the gear housing and input shaft.
7. Reinstall the dust cover. Remove any excess grease.
8. Reinstall the lower intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear.
9. Reinstall the lower intermediate steering shaft to power steering gear bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the bolt to 50N·m(37 lb ft).

10. Reinstall the left front tire and wheel assembly.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Verify that the noise is no longer present.

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use: