Steering wheel / column noise

[clhman]

So I am at a loss on an odd noise that I have. I have disassembled my whole column numerous times and I'm stumped.

Here's my deal:

when I am driving down the road it behaves normal. When I am at a slow speed in a parking lot and turn the wheel relatively quickly, I get a low growl coming directly from the base of my steering wheel. For the life of me, I cannot pinpoint it. I changed the blinker switch. Everything seems like it is assembled correctly per my service manual. (btw, I'm not getting any negative steering symptoms, only this periodic odd noise.)

any suggestions? I just about ready to scrap my whole steering column and get a donor.

 

[ihpartsjeff]

Do you have a borgeson joint installed? If so, not having a rubber connection between the steering box and column will cause a noise like you described. My Scout II does it on occasion as well but it has never bothered me.

 

[clhman]

do you have a borgeson joint installed? If so, not having a rubber connection between the steering box and column will cause a noise like you described. My Scout II does it on occasion as well but it has never bothered me.

Yes, I bought one from you and eliminated my factory rag joint. Hmm, so I should just live with it? I think I did it during my huge motor/trans/case/axle/steering box swap so that didn't cross my mind.

 

[clhman]

Jeff - it irritated me so I came up with a solution. I bought a rubber heater hose that was 7/8" I.d. And cut it the length of the shaft between the firewall and the first u-joint. I then slit the hose lengthwise and slipped it over the shaft.

It's fixed with no more noise. Just fyi if you're interested. Thanks for the help as always!