kingmetal
Member
2004 Ranger XLT 4W4WD 4.0L V6 w/ 122,000mi
Here's a new one on me, my actual steering wheel started squeaking. I've had tie-rod ends and ball joints fail and make squeaky noises when turning, but this is literally just coming from the wheel itself.
My theory is there is dirt or dust trapped in there, because it started happening out in the desert (during a wind storm). A layer of dust coated just about everything in the the cab, and I noticed the squeaking. Of course, I also noticed it because the roads out there require a lot of steering input to avoid rocks and things, and I had logged about 1200mi of driving by then.
It's only noticeable during city driving (parking lots and stuff), and doesn't seem to happen until after I've driven for a bit. I know on Crown Vics the steering u-joint can go south, but that's generally due to LEO use, and a quick search doesn't seem to indicate that's a problem on Rangers.
I suppose I should pull the steering wheel and clean it, but I've never pulled a steering wheel and the fact that there's an airbag in there doesn't seem that fun.
Anyone have any input?
Here's a new one on me, my actual steering wheel started squeaking. I've had tie-rod ends and ball joints fail and make squeaky noises when turning, but this is literally just coming from the wheel itself.
My theory is there is dirt or dust trapped in there, because it started happening out in the desert (during a wind storm). A layer of dust coated just about everything in the the cab, and I noticed the squeaking. Of course, I also noticed it because the roads out there require a lot of steering input to avoid rocks and things, and I had logged about 1200mi of driving by then.
It's only noticeable during city driving (parking lots and stuff), and doesn't seem to happen until after I've driven for a bit. I know on Crown Vics the steering u-joint can go south, but that's generally due to LEO use, and a quick search doesn't seem to indicate that's a problem on Rangers.
I suppose I should pull the steering wheel and clean it, but I've never pulled a steering wheel and the fact that there's an airbag in there doesn't seem that fun.
Anyone have any input?