Whirring/grinding noise in steering column when turning

[anomdeplume]

I’ve begun hearing a whirring/grinding noise near the steering column area when turning the wheel at low speeds. Steering response seems fine though at all speeds. No error codes. No pops, skips, nor lock ups In the steering. Just noisy. 2023 base model. 22000 miles. Stock suspension (leaking left front shock was replaced under warranty several months ago). OBX takeoff rims/tires. Practically no off road usage (dirt roads at most…no rocks, no stumps/logs, no mud, no water crossings at any depth). Thoughts on possible cause? Area of concern or just turn up the radio?

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[Ducati1098]

Do you have floor mats that are hitting/touching the steering shaft?

 

[anomdeplume]

Do you have floor mats that are hitting/touching the steering shaft?

I do not. Using factory rubber mats with the snap in secure points. Noise seems much higher on the column than the floor too. Near where steering wheel is close to instrument cluster.

 

[Ducati1098]

I do not. Using factory rubber mats with the snap in secure points. Noise seems much higher on the column than the floor too. Near where steering wheel is close to instrument cluster.

Did you have the wiper motor recall done? Maybe something wasn’t put back together correctly and is now rubbing? Either way, you should probably just bring it to your dealer so they can diagnose it.

 

[anomdeplume]

Did you have the wiper motor recall done? Maybe something wasn’t put back together correctly and is now rubbing? Either way, you should probably just bring it to your dealer so they can diagnose it.

Yes, back in March 2024. Issue is recent (last couple of weeks). I do plan to take it in but wanted to check with the forum first to see if others have experienced this, get some possible causes so I don’t go in “blind” to the dealer, and ultimately to post resolution to maybe help others in the future.

 

[anomdeplume]

Diagnosis by dealer technician indicates it’s the steering rack. Will be replaced under warranty.

 

[anomdeplume]

Got the Bronco back today. Noise is gone. Covered under warranty as quoted. They also did an alignment, which makes sense. A few comments though. The good: invoice shows many new nuts, bolts, clips, and plugs were used. I was glad to see this and confirmed it by looking under the vehicle. The heads up: invoice states that the front differential was removed in order to access the steering rack. I didn’t expect this. Videos online indicate this is not necessary. I’ll be engaging the four wheel drive this weekend for sure. As noted by other members: they didn’t reinstall the skid plate correctly. I have an RCI engine and transmission skid. They’re tight but they did not replace the washers correctly so the continuity of the protection “pan” on the transition from engine to transmission skid is uneven. Basically, a lip to catch things on that shouldn’t be there. At least they didn’t charge me to remove/replace them. I’ll be correcting this issue myself.

 

[Ducati1098]

The heads up: invoice states that the front differential was removed in order to access the steering rack. I didn’t expect this. Videos online indicate this is not necessary. I’ll be engaging the four wheel drive this weekend for sure.

Whether it’s necessary or not, Ford’s instructions say to remove it. So I’m sure the warranty story was written up per Fords instructions even if it wasn’t removed.

 

[userdude]

Whether it’s necessary or not, Ford’s instructions say to remove it. So I’m sure the warranty story was written up per Fords instructions even if it wasn’t removed.

It's definitely got to be easier than smashing your hand trying to twist it out of there...

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