When I turn the wheel I get a plastic scraping sound and feel from behind the wheel. Any ideas as to what it is? How long do I have before it becomes an issue worthy of fixing? Is it a pain to deal with?

My Granddads ford got so bad one time that plastic chunks feel out and the wheel would flop around is this the same thing? It wasn't safe for the road but thank goodness it was a farm only truck! I hope this isn't whats happening.

The problem/ noise started gradually its noticeable but not impairing or terrible. Any advice?

 

My advice would be to pull off the steering wheel and see if there is anything out of the ordinary. You should be able to see if there is something rubbing in the wheel area and if not remove the rest of the trim on the column and see if there are signs of rubbing. And if so fix it asap. Steering isn't something to mess around with.

Also is there any noticeable play in the column or wheel side to side or up and down if so it might be a bearing.

Ryan

 

Never tackled removal of a steering wheel what does it entail? Do I need a steering wheel puller?

 

I would say that it wouldn't be a bad idea to get one. I have always had good luck the "back yard mechanic" way. What I do is I first remove the horn cover then just loosen the nut untill the end threads are covered and take a lead hammer (its softer and won't hurt the nut) and while pulling the wheel towards the seat give the nut a couple of good wacks and you should feel it pop off. I you don't feel it pop use a puller because you don't want do hurt the internal mechinism of the column.

 

Thanks! Maybe Santa will stuff a puller in my stocking this year!

 

You can get them pretty cheap from sears or a auto parts store. I have one with a total of 4 slots. I looks like a Y with the Y's bottom going throught the center of the top, if that makes any sence to you.

 

yup! thanks!

 

Sounds like a clock spring on the way out. Does the horn still work?

 

I had the same thing happen and it was the clock spring for the cruise. Not a cheap part, have to get it from dodge. A steering wheel puller was the only way I could get my wheel off, the tapping method didn't work and you might mushroom the end of the stud doing that.

 

Just go borrow one from autozone

 

Thats the reason why I said to leave the nut on and even with the treads so you can't hurt the threads

 

i have the same scraping noise in my steering column, and the cruise control dont work.

 

Sounds like the clock spring to me also, you should be careful about pounding on the steering column as most of them have a collapsible joint that you can damage if it is hit too hard.

Jim

 

Yes, the only time you should use a hammer to get a steering wheel off is in the junkyard.

 

Another steering column with intermittent "grinding" and inoperational cruise control here.