Squeaky Steering - THANK YOU PHIL!!! [Archive]

TXSUT

10-05-2005, 11:59 PM

I'm getting a low-pitched squeaking noise when I turn in either direction. The steering fluid is at the right level, and it doesn't sound like what I know a steering pump to sound like when it's low on fluid or going out. Any ideas?

TXSUT

10-05-2005, 11:59 PM

VTSTOMPER

10-07-2005, 01:05 AM

My fathers truck was doing that...I asked if it needed some lube in the joints...but they replaced the ball joint. Have you put lube in any areas? (on your truck that is) *smart ass*

Daveh2

10-07-2005, 03:43 AM

I am experiencing a whining/groaning noise when i turn ans accelerate beyong idle while turning through about 2500 rpm. After that it stops. In park I can recreate when i rev up to 2000 rpm and cycle the steerinf left to right. The dealer has replaced the power steering pump as well as updated the steering box with a new valve that was called for in a technical service bulletin. The fluid if full by the way. The dealer says "Hey its a big truck with big tires" They have given up. Also I have an annoying creek that will not go away when the suspension travels during a turn. Like a creak on the a-arms.

Dan

10-07-2005, 08:34 AM

Daveh2 - I have the same front end creak. Supposedly it's one of three things.

- front skid plate not tight enough
- crossmember bolts not tight enough
- A-arm bolts not tight enough.

I've tightened the skid plate and the crossmember but it still does it. This weekend I'll try the A-arms. I did notice that it would stop creaking for a while after a water crossing so something likes being "lubed". http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

AmericanPatriot

10-07-2005, 11:28 AM

VTSTOMPER

10-07-2005, 11:46 AM

I have the creak too. I turn up the radio.

CONRAD II

10-07-2005, 12:47 PM

I have the same squeaking noise on my sut. I have 17,000 miles and only noticed the squeak in the last 500.

VTSTOMPER

10-07-2005, 01:06 PM

I have had it for as long as I remember, and I have 5100 miles.

Daveh2

10-08-2005, 01:21 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dan:
Daveh2 - I have the same front end creak. Supposedly it's one of three things.

- front skid plate not tight enough
- crossmember bolts not tight enough
- A-arm bolts not tight enough.

I've tightened the skid plate and the crossmember but it still does it. This weekend I'll try the A-arms. I did notice that it would stop creaking for a while after a water crossing so something likes being "lubed". http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Mine does the same thing as well. During the rain it stops. It (the creak) returns within 20 minutes of dry weather driving. I am going to creak over to my dealer and take the service writer for a cruise. Based on the other good folks that responded that it may be fruitless to get under and start tightening the cross member bolts and skidplate. But knowing me I will most likely be under it tomorrow doing just that. It will bother the crap out of me if I don't make a run at it. I'll keep everyone posted!! "Dan and AmericanPatriot" You guys Rule!

Daveh2

10-08-2005, 01:26 AM

Oh yeah, Conrad II snd Vstomper rule too. Thanks for helping me out.

Dan

10-10-2005, 12:48 PM

Alright, I fixed the creak this weekend. It was the skid plate. I took it off & checked the a-arm bolts which were tight. Went for a quick ride without the skid plate an and no creak!

I put some anti-sieze lubricant on top around the bolt holes where it mounts, and some on the bolt washer. Reinstalled the plate and tightened the bolts extra tight. No creak! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

My skid plate was a b!tch to get back on. It has a few dents in it which apparently messed with the hole alignment. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

Daveh2

10-11-2005, 02:40 AM

All of the creaks and clunks were fixed today by the dealer. I will be posting all that was done when I recieve the write up in a few days. I had to run out and they offered to mail it to me. The list is long believe me. In short, my H2 feels just as tight as the day I picked it up. Stay tuned!

TXSUT

11-15-2005, 07:23 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Daveh2:
I will be posting all that was done when I recieve the write up in a few days. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Not that I have done anything of significance to troubleshoot this problem, but it's still there. Again, my squeak is happening only when I turn the wheel while at rest or moving slowly. It does disappear when the truck gets wet, but I don't see how it could be coming from the skid plate or anything other than a part of the sterring mechanism. I guess I've missed a grease zerk somewhere in there.

Dan

11-16-2005, 10:12 AM

I was pretty positive it was a steering component too, but when you turn the wheel it flexes the front end just enough to make the skid plate creak. Take it off & try it!

Mine is creaking again. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

TXSUT

11-16-2005, 01:14 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dan:
Take it off & try it!

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Okay, I guess I'll give that a try this weekend if the grease job I'm going to give it doesn't work.

rodster

11-16-2005, 03:22 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TXSUT:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dan:
Take it off & try it!

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Okay, I guess I'll give that a try this weekend if the grease job I'm going to give it doesn't work. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

If you grease all fittings you'll have to remove the skid plate anyway.

TXSUT

11-16-2005, 05:38 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
If you grease all fittings you'll have to remove the skid plate anyway. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

So when my mechanic (not the dealer) told me he'd lubed every joint, that mofo was lying. Nice. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

Thanks for the info, Rod.

NoMoGMPG

11-16-2005, 07:11 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dan:
My skid plate was a b!tch to get back on. It has a few dents in it which apparently messed with the hole alignment. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Last time I took mine off it took two jacks and some air tools to get it back on. That was before the last Moab trip and right now I can see 2 bolts missing http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Mine makes all kinds of noises all over the truck http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You're missing those bolts because you needed an alignment.

TXSUT

11-29-2005, 12:16 PM

I finally dropped the skidplate last night to see if I could find the squeak. And yes, it still squeaked with the skidplate removed, and I was able to find the offending part. I'm not sure what that particular steering joint that is squeaking is called, but it doesn't have a grease zerk on it. Dousing it with WD40 took most of the squeak away, but I'm sure it'll be right back to being very noisy after my next trip through the mud.

VTSTOMPER

11-29-2005, 12:54 PM

WD-40 will not last too long, as you know. Is there anyway you can get a heavy oil or grease in there? Was there any rubber bushings that looked popped or cracked?

rodster

11-29-2005, 01:51 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TXSUT:
I'm not sure what that particular steering joint that is squeaking is called, but it doesn't have a grease zerk on it. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You sure about that? There's at least one zerk that's nearly impossible to see unless you look through the right front tow loop hole in the bumper. It's to the right of the loop and 6 or so inches aft. With the Fabtech kit on you should have 11 zerks in front.

TXSUT

11-29-2005, 08:23 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
You sure about that? There's at least one zerk that's nearly impossible to see unless you look through the right front tow loop hole in the bumper. It's to the right of the loop and 6 or so inches aft. With the Fabtech kit on you should have 11 zerks in front. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I am 95% sure that I found the source of the squeak (the WD40 quietened it), and 100% sure that there is no zerk at that one point. However, I did leave the skidplate off just in case someone came along today offering useful advice. LOL...thanks Rod! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif I'll be going back under it tonight and look for those 11 zerks. I ran out of grease after about the 8th one. But I am still 100% certain that what I think is the culprit has no zerk.

VT, what you have suggested has me thinking a trip to the dealer is in order.

Thanks guys!

rodster

11-29-2005, 09:37 PM

You won't be able to get to all the zerks without a special adapter for your grease gun or changing one zerk to an L-fitting. Special adapter is the route I took and it sure made life easier with many of the zerks. Check this out for pics and info: http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/tpc/f/6706011751/m/6621073341

Good luck!

VTSTOMPER

11-29-2005, 09:40 PM

Good luck buddy!

I know you're in good hands with rodster! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Sounds like he must live under that SUT of his! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

rodster

11-29-2005, 09:46 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by VTSTOMPER:
Sounds like he must live under that SUT of his! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nope, I've just greased my truck one more time than TXSUT. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

TXSUT

11-30-2005, 05:25 PM

Rod,

Instead of being 100% sure there was no zerk for that pivot point that is squeaking, maybe I was 100% WRONG! The one zerk you mentioned on the right side, through the tow hook hole, would that take care of the pivot that is roughly 4 inches below the zerk itself?

I'd completely missed that zerk even though I molested the hell out of that area trying to feel for one. Still, it seems a long way from the pivot below it, but I can't figure out what else that zerk would be for.

<bowing to your expertise>

And yes, I need to either replace that zerk with a 90 degree elbow zerk, or get the special fitting kit for my grease gun. I ran out mid-stream last night and got a pivoting fitting for my gun, but it was still too long to fit.

-Pete

rodster

12-01-2005, 12:51 AM

Unfortunately, I changed the oil yesterday and finally put the skid plate back on BUT, if memory serves me, isn't there another zerk below the one you're asking about? About 4 inches below?

Again, if you count 11, you've found them all. Lube 'em all and see what happens, yes?

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">And yes, I need to either replace that zerk with a 90 degree elbow zerk, or get the special fitting kit for my grease gun. I ran out mid-stream last night and got a pivoting fitting for my gun, but it was still too long to fit. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I've seen 90 degree grease gun adapters but most won't work since they require a straight-on attachment to the zerk like the normal gun fitting. The adapter in the kit that I got slides on from the side and sure makes easy work out of a few of the fittings. You'll need a flex hose for your gun, too. One comes with the kit and Harbor Freight also has a longer one that sells for <$5. It's a big help, too.

TXSUT

12-01-2005, 01:09 AM

If I go back out there tonight and find another one where you say it might be, I'm going to shoot myself in the head. I'll do my best to find all 11.

I have been to every auto parts store and hardware store in my area and have yet to find a decent kit for the grease gun. I'll go to Harbor Freight and/or Northern Tool tomorrow.

As always, thanks for all of your help, Rod!

rodster

12-01-2005, 03:39 AM

The more I think about it, the more I'm doubting you'll find another zerk immediately below the hard-to-reach one. I wonder if greasing that one will solve your squeak? Look forward to hearing your outcome.

TXSUT

12-02-2005, 11:13 AM

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

A list of places around my 'hood that DON'T have the phucking grease gun fitting kit that Rod posted about:

AutoZone
PepBoys
O'Reilly Auto
Lowes
Home Depot
Sears Hardware
Harbor Freight
Northern Tool

Can you imagine how pissed off I am after going to each of these stores and coming up with NOTHING!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif

I'm going to take the truck in to my mechanic tonight and just have him grease it while I have the skidplate still off.

In the meantime, I ordered the fitting kit from Harbor Freight online, and with no option for express delivery, it won't get here for 10 days.

TXSUT

12-07-2005, 12:38 AM

In a nutshell, one of my pitman arms was missing its zerk (thank you dumba$$es at 4 Wheel Parts in Houston). A quick phone call to Phil to confirm where the zerk is supposed to be located so I wouldn't spend too much more time looking for the hole, and I was back in business with no squeak in less than 5 minutes.

I'd also called Fabtech and got the "That front-end kit is not made to be used without our lift" bull$hit.

THANKS PHIL!!! It was a pleasure speaking with you.

Thanks also to everyone else for trying to help me fix the problem, especially Rod.

-Pete

VTSTOMPER

12-07-2005, 01:21 AM

I have to echo Pete...Rodster and Phil have really been great in any of the questions I have come up with! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

Very good to hear you got it all fixed up Pete! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif Congrats!

TXSUT

12-07-2005, 11:33 AM

Thanks J! When I told my wife about the outcome last night, she said "Good grief, I bet you have 10 full hours invested in that 5-minute fix!" To which I replied, "Shut up bitch and fix me a sammich!" Yeah, right. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

VTSTOMPER

12-07-2005, 12:11 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by TXSUT:"Shut up bitch and fix me a sammich!" Yeah, right. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

ROTFLMFAO! Welcome to the couch if your lucky!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

rodster

12-07-2005, 12:11 PM

Glad you got that fixed, Pete!

Now you got me concerned about my zerk count. How many with the one you added?

TXSUT

12-07-2005, 02:15 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rodster:
Glad you got that fixed, Pete!

Now you got me concerned about my zerk count. How many with the one you added? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

To be honest Rod, I think 11 is the right number, but I'd have to do a recount. This one is on the backside of the pitman arm, and can be accessed without removing the skidplate. I'm sure you got them all, as thorough as you are. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif