Steering bushing at firewall

[2011Ranger4X4FX4]

Hi all. New to forum and tried search already. Not finding info I need. There's a bushing or something at the firewall where the steering shaft goes through. When I turn the steering wheel right or left it makes a groaning noise. Does this require a replacement of that part or just some grease/lubricant? A link to an older thread would be great if one exists.

Thanks for any help.

Kev
2011 Ranger 4x4 FX4
4.0L

 

[MikeG]

Probably your power steering pump groaning, on a Ford that means it is working

 

[2011Ranger4X4FX4]

Probably your power steering pump groaning, on a Ford that means it is working

Def not the pump. Noise is inside and outside right at firewall. Whatever bushing that is. Pump is fairly quiet.

 

[Guanfy]

Top rag joint is up near that area, unless it's something inside the cab side of the steering column... could you be hearing the shock that makes up the intermediate steering shaft?

 

[2011Ranger4X4FX4]

It's right at the firewall both sides. Whatever the steering shaft rotates in at the firewall.

 

[Guanfy]

On mine there is a connection right at the firewall where the top rag joint connects to the piece that goes through the firewall. I would check the fitting there and see if you have something banging about. Over time the rubber of the rag joint turns to dust and the only thing that keeps your steering wheel from free spinning is this string like material ford included as a backup. It keeps the wheel connected but does allow for a great deal of slop in the steering until the rubber disc is replaced.

If you don't think its that, then I would get under the dash and look to where the inside steering shaft goes into the firewall and see if something is rubbing or impacting there.

 

[2011Ranger4X4FX4]

On mine there is a connection right at the firewall where the top rag joint connects to the piece that goes through the firewall. I would check the fitting there and see if you have something banging about. Over time the rubber of the rag joint turns to dust and the only thing that keeps your steering wheel from free spinning is this string like material ford included as a backup. It keeps the wheel connected but does allow for a great deal of slop in the steering until the rubber disc is replaced.

If you don't think its that, then I would get under the dash and look to where the inside steering shaft goes into the firewall and see if something is rubbing or impacting there.

Sounds good. Thanks all for the advice. I’ll get under there again tomorrow