Intermittent Grinding Sensation/noise In Steering

Ape0r · November 15, 2009

Posted about this in the full size forum and didn't get anything, here goes!

I have an '04 Silverado 1500 4x4 (recirc ball steering) with 101k on the clock. Occasionally, MAYBE more often when its cold out, there will be a really loud grinding/groaning noise, accompanied by a rough grinding sensation in the steering wheel. It only happens at lower speeds making parking lot type maneuvers. Happens when turning both left and right, going both forwards and backwards. Most of the time, the steering is 100% smooth and the truck drives like new. The noise sounds almost like bending metal. I read a little bit about an intermittent noise from the lower steering column bearing, but I am fairly certain that the source is not inside of the cab.

I did recently find the drivers side inner tie rod boot shifted slightly out of place, but still holding grease. I used a small piece of wood and a hammer to lightly tap it back into place, went without a hitch.

I have kept the front end of my truck very well greased, recently happened no more than 100 miles after giving it a full once over with the grease gun. I am planning on getting it up on jackstands in another week and checking for loose joints - any other advice on what it might be? Really want to get this locked up within the next few months, moving from VA to CA in two months, and I don't need my steering blowing up half way between!

Thoughts?

gmtech4 · November 15, 2009

sounds like a pump ,anyone else?

Nytemare · November 15, 2009

sounds like a pump ,anyone else?

+1

sounds like its not putting out the right pressure at low rpm's.

If not pump, it could be the steering box on its way out, seeing as you have recirc ball and not rack and pinion.

Ape0r · November 15, 2009

sounds like a pump ,anyone else?

+1

sounds like its not putting out the right pressure at low rpm's.

If not pump, it could be the steering box on its way out, seeing as you have recirc ball and not rack and pinion.

Now see, this is an interesting idea... there is some evidence that the pump has been leaking. I had been thinking the cap was loose because the fluid level just isn't going down at any rate, yet there is all this gunk built up on the outside. I've never topped it off, and its now half way between the add and full marks when warm.

Thanks guys, I'll go ahead and throw a pump at it (ha, literally!) after I get a chance to check the joints. Next time it starts I'll also try putting it in neutral real quick and giving it some throttle.