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Steering Wheel "Moan"

39K views 20 replies 10 participants last post by  ray p 
#1 ·
For the past 4-6 months my steering wheel has been making a "moaning" noise when quickly turned to the right. The noise is coming from somewhere in the steering column, inside the Jeep. Has/does anyone else have this issue and know what it is or how to make it stop?

It only does it when turning to the right. If I slowely turn the wheel to the right, it doesn't make any noise.
 
#3 · (Edited)
The moaning comes from the steering column? Inside the column there is nothing which could make a moaning noise. The tip from Dave is a good one, it can be that the noise is transferred via the steering gearbox to the steering column, making it appear to come from the column itself.
If its not the hoses, the only thing i can think of is the steering pump or low fluid level, but that would not explain the noise when steering to one side only.
 
#6 · (Edited)
It doesn't sound like it's being transfered through the steering column, it sounds like it's coming from where the wheel connects to the column. The other thing is that I can feel like a "grittyness" in the steering wheel when it makes the noise.

I tried to take a video yesterday, but it was being stuborn and not making the noise when I tried. :rolleyes:
But I'm still hoping it is the hoses and it has something to do w/ the fluid rate through them causing the hoses to hit eachother.

There you go,
I've had this noise since I brought my WJ and have ignored it from the onset. 20 minutes under the bonnet and no more noise.
Jeepme, I hope Cheapjeeps link helps to solve your problem as it has for me.
Could you feel it in your steering wheel?
 
#8 ·
I too have this problem> After much investigation it is not coming from no where but column. I am taking steering wheel off today for further inspection. I was told that a miss aligned column could cause it to make noise eventually. This happens over time from prior owners holdn on to and using steering wheel for a "oh S*#T" handle.
 
#11 ·
The bulletin is a good resource. If it does not address the problem, you may wish to consider front or rear differentials as the source of the noise. Differential fluid changes are necessary to keep the all wheel drive system in good running order. When left neglected, they tend to make a moaning and grinding noise, accompanied with some physical stuttering during tight cornering maneuvers. Just a suggestion.
 
#13 ·
I wonder if the noise comes from the upper part of the steering column, if it can be from the clockspring?
 
#14 ·
I'm not sure. It only when you turn the wheel to the left, never to the right even when return to center from a left hand turn. Also it does it on a medium to fast turn, it will be quite if turned slow. IIt's moaning or a creaking sound. Weird you can also feel in the steering wheel.
 
#15 ·
I own a repair shop and have had this noise in my wife's jeep for about a year. Doesn't bother hear but it kills me every time I get in her vehicle. It does sound like it is coming from the column and it will make the noise in park by just turning the wheel. I have tried changing the entire column. I talked to jeep and installed updated pressure and return hoses. I also have pulled the steering shaft off and checked the joints on it. Nothing in the steering linkage is binding as far as I can tell and many of those parts have been replaced. I will be trying a new box and will see if that fixes the problem.
-2000 Grand Cherokee 4.0L
 
#17 ·
Gentlemen,

I have a 2002 WJ that makes all of the usual noises that are complained about! This noise that seems to be in the steering column though, I wonder if it might be the clockspring?

I disassembled a clockspring a while ago and I noticed that the grease that was utilized to lubricate the ribbon had dried and become tacky. Instead of the ribbon smoothly winding and unwinding, it would shutter like a deck of cards being shuffled...

Just another thought,

Carlos
 
#18 ·
Well I had a go at trying to find the source of the moaning steering wheel without much success. However, I did reduce the moan quite significantly by simple spraying Innox around any steering linkage under the WJ. If it moved it got sprayed.
I am happy to say that I have gone from moaning on any turn left or right to a small moan on hard left only.

Hope this helps
 
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