Noise in steering column

[JakeDenni]

About 500 miles ago I have started noticing a very quiet knocking noise almost when turning steering wheel in either direction while going at a slow speed (Parking lot or turning at stop light). Any ideas as to what this would be? Have never noticed it but my truck is at 63k miles so wondering if it’s something to do with steering column.

 

Thanks! 

[Jchoi]

Any lift or level? There are quite a few threads with guys discussing similar concerns. 

[JakeDenni]

33 minutes ago, Jchoi said:

Any lift or level? There are quite a few threads with guys discussing similar concerns. 

I’ve got a Rough Country 2” leveling kit on it. Do they tend to go bad after a few thousand miles?

[SoCa2ID]

Sorry to hear about your issue.  I had the same thing happen after installing a 2" level.  It is very common on this generation of truck for some reason.  For me, the dealer diagnosed it as a bad steering gear and luckily it was replaced under my bumper to bumper warranty.  Its been a little over 1K miles since the fix and no more noise.   It would have been a pricey fix if not for the warranty.  My steering was fine however other than the noise.

[JakeDenni]

15 minutes ago, SoCa2ID said:

Sorry to hear about your issue.  I had the same thing happen after installing a 2" level.  It is very common on this generation of truck for some reason.  For me, the dealer diagnosed it as a bad steering gear and luckily it was replaced under my bumper to bumper warranty.  Its been a little over 1K miles since the fix and no more noise.   It would have been a pricey fix if not for the warranty.  My steering was fine however other than the noise.

Wow. Thanks for the heads up! I’ll take it to the dealership and see what they say this weekend. Maybe it’s just time to install get the lift kit ??

[SoCa2ID]

6 minutes ago, JakeDenni said:

Wow. Thanks for the heads up! I’ll take it to the dealership and see what they say this weekend. Maybe it’s just time to install get the lift kit ??

If you have an extended warranty, maybe remove the level before you go? haha

 

Best of luck to you!

[JakeDenni]

6 minutes ago, SoCa2ID said:

If you have an extended warranty, maybe remove the level before you go? haha

 

Best of luck to you!

And go through that hassle again? No Way! Ha thanks man!

['17 Sierra]

I’ve got it too. 2” level.

[emeryz28]

I also have this, they have replaced my steering column, some lower bearings, still there.  It also seems to be louder and more noticeable depending on how warm it is outside and if the truck is warm.   I am the point where I am just going to live with it, although I might go back one more time before my bumper to bumper is up and have them do something.

[JakeDenni]

16 minutes ago, emeryz28 said:

I also have this, they have replaced my steering column, some lower bearings, still there.  It also seems to be louder and more noticeable depending on how warm it is outside and if the truck is warm.   I am the point where I am just going to live with it, although I might go back one more time before my bumper to bumper is up and have them do something.

Do you have a leveling kit as well?

[emeryz28]

yes I do, but I believe there is no correlation.  there was another thread on this subject and plenty of people without a leveling kit experience this noise.  One forum member took his kit out and it made no difference.  For me the noise started at least 10 months after the kit was installed.

[JakeDenni]

UPDATE: Extended warranty has covered it. They first tried replacing the steering column but the dealership stated they could still hear the noise and determined that it was the steering gear. It’s going in tonight to hve that replaced. They didn’t say anything about the leveling kit being on it. He did say this is the first time he has ever seen the steering gear go bad. Obviously, that is not the case as there are quite a few people complaining about it. I’ll update as soon as they finish and see if the noise is gone. 

[emeryz28]

steering gear makes sense.  If it fixes it,can you please share a copy of your dealer report that shows what they did. thank you

[JakeDenni]

1 hour ago, emeryz28 said:

steering gear makes sense.  If it fixes it,can you please share a copy of your dealer report that shows what they did. thank you

Fixed the noise. About a $2300 total fix from dealership. They’ve stated they’ve never seen it before so could be an underlying issue since my truck is at 65000 miles for only 2 years old. Don’t let the dealership fix or replace anything until they check the steering gear. Best of luck!