Just got a 96 Cobra to play around with and have two issues with the car. First, the steering squeaks when turning left to right, both when moving and stopped, but more pronounced when moving slowly or stopped. Second, there is a small amount of play in the steering wheel that is definately not supposed to be there. Havent checked the car out yet just wondering if anyone has an idea of what to look for when I get under there. TIA
Squeak and play when turning wheel
- Thread starter 87lc2
- Start date
twogts4us
15 Year Member
Do you really need another toy? LOL - Just kidding...
The clockspring could be your issue with squeaking. As for the play, I'll let others chime in. Could be any # of things, but I'm sure there are some items you can target.
The clockspring could be your issue with squeaking. As for the play, I'll let others chime in. Could be any # of things, but I'm sure there are some items you can target.
I needed something with a stick, autos are boring, lol. Anyway, I figured I would check out the tie-rod ends, ball joints, and rack bushings for the squeaking. Just havent had time yet. Are you talking about the clockspring for the airbag? Its definitely not that, the squeak is outside of the car, cant hear it with the windows up.
stangman11
Member
There are two things you could look at along with the rest of the suspension components in the front end. Take a look at the steering column shaft that comes down to the rack. Those U joints can sometimes squeak, also there is a rubber bushing on the column that is designed to dampin road vibration when those wear they can make a noise as well. let me know what you come up with.
Thanks stangman, I tend to think you're on to something because when I grabbed the shaft just after it comes out of the firewall it moves all around a good 1/4" to 1/2". Im hoping the play in the wheel and the squeaking are related and I can fix both problems in one shot. Where is the bushing in the column? Down near the firewall?
trombonedemon
Well-Known Member
Had about 15 mins of daylight when I got home tonight so I checked out the bushing at the firewall and it looks pretty bad. Going to try and get one at the Ford dealer tomorrow. As far as the squeaking, if it helps to narrow it down any, when I push down on the front end I can hear the squeak, so its not just when turning the wheel apparently.
Ok guys, finally got a half hour this morning to look at the car. The squeaking was the tie rods. I put a needle through the boots and shot some grease in and the squeak is gone. However, the driver side inner tie rod is shot. Question is, how do you replace the damn thing? Would it be better to just get a new rack with the inners attached? As far as the play in the wheel, the rag joint is ok and the bearing at the firewall is not great, but not terrible. The play is actually where the shaft meets under the dash in the car. There is no bolt or adjustment there, it looks like the upper portion of the shaft slides into the lower portion of the shaft. Im assuming there is no way to fix that and I will need a new shaft. If anyone has had that happen, please let me know what you did. Sorry for the novel, just wanted to give the most accurate info possible. Again guys, thanks for the help.
stangman11
Member
I would not suggest buying a new rack thats gonna cost you a ton of money. Inner tie rods are not had to do, once you remove the boot you can fit a wrench around the end nut loosen it and it comes off by unscrewing it just like the outers. In terms of the play in the wheel I would replace the inner tie rod first then see if that corrects the play issue in the wheel.
twogts4us
15 Year Member
+1 - We put a new rack in my wife's 01 GT...it was about $800 with Ford labor...absolute ripoff.
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