2014 Silverado 1500 Steering Moaning

[Jacob Krabbenhoft]

I have a 2014 Silverado 1500 LTZ Crew Cab with roughly 113,000 miles on it. Anytime that I am not moving or driving at a slow speed and go to turn, there is a very noticeable groaning noise coming from the steering assembly. It can be heard as soon I start to turn the wheel. To help with the context of the noise, it literally sounds like Chewbacca is making his famous sound, only slower, like a quivering or faltering moan. Along with this, there is sometimes a very high pitched squealing or whining, almost like dry metal on metal. These trucks have the electronic power steering, so there is no fluid associated with it. I have had the power steering module/actuator replaced, however this did not make a difference.

 

A thought was that it could be dry ball joints, but the noise can be heard very clearly inside the cab when it is running and the windows are up, much like it is coming from under the dashboard or within the engine bay, naturally. Another note is that the truck has a 5 inch lift and 35s. The mechanic that tried replacing the steering module said that the larger tires shouldn't necessarily make any difference or attribute the the problem. Recently, I tried a silicone restoration spray on the tire rod ends to see if it would help any, however nothing so far. I am at a loss on where to go next. Thanks for any input.