Power steering problem or...?

[Sig Schecter]

2014 1500 Big Horn 3.6 with approx 109,000mi. For the last couple weeks there has been a creaking/squeaky/whining noise coming from the front end when turning the wheel. I can hear it while in motion and turning as well as when parked and turning the wheel back n forth. The noise occurs when turning the wheel in either direction.

Its not the first time this winter that temps have dropped into the 20s and below but this most recent temperature drop seems to have been when I started noticing this.

I am no mechanic so I can only assume its the power steering (rack & pinion). I am sure I need other things replaced down there related to my suspension but the fact that I only hear these noises when turning the wheel leads me to the power steering. So far there has been no loss or degradation in the steering though. Does this sound like a rack and pinion problem?

I looked up the rack & pinion on Mopar's website and now I hate my truck haha. Are there less expensive replacement options?

Thanks guys

 

[Brandon-w]

2014 1500 Big Horn 3.6 with approx 109,000mi. For the last couple weeks there has been a creaking/squeaky/whining noise coming from the front end when turning the wheel. I can hear it while in motion and turning as well as when parked and turning the wheel back n forth. The noise occurs when turning the wheel in either direction.

Its not the first time this winter that temps have dropped into the 20s and below but this most recent temperature drop seems to have been when I started noticing this.

I am no mechanic so I can only assume its the power steering (rack & pinion). I am sure I need other things replaced down there related to my suspension but the fact that I only hear these noises when turning the wheel leads me to the power steering. So far there has been no loss or degradation in the steering though. Does this sound like a rack and pinion problem?

I looked up the rack & pinion on Mopar's website and now I hate my truck haha. Are there less expensive replacement options?

Thanks guys

I doubt it's that. It is probably a dry balljoint or tierod. If they're greasable grease them. If not have a friend get in and turn the wheel while you try to pinpoint the noise. Racks usually leak or make a whining noise so that's why I have my doubts and that would be my absolute last resort. May also be your steering shaft from the steering wheel to the rack it's self, they usually just seize up tho but never know.

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[Sig Schecter]

I doubt it's that. It is probably a dry balljoint or tierod. If they're greasable grease them. If not have a friend get in and turn the wheel while you try to pinpoint the noise. Racks usually leak or make a whining noise so that's why I have my doubts and that would be my absolute last resort. May also be your steering shaft from the steering wheel to the rack it's self, they usually just seize up tho but never know.

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Well I sure hope that’s the case. I guess that would make sense. Only thing down there that’s been replaced recently was the lower ball joints. Thank you

 

[NJMOPAR]

Check the knuckle joint on the steering shaft.
I think it has a rubber bushing that might be worn.

 

[Sig Schecter]

Check the knuckle joint on the steering shaft.
I think it has a rubber bushing that might be worn.

is this what you’re referring to? (Random YouTube search result)

 

[NJMOPAR]

Yeah, thought it had bushings but I guess not.

 

[Sig Schecter]

I managed to meet up with a buddy and was able to at least narrow the noise down to the drivers side only. Without being able to get the truck up on a jack the best guess now is my upper ball joint is where the noise is.

 

[JayLeonard]

Check the knuckle joint on the steering shaft.
I think it has a rubber bushing that might be worn.

There IS a bushing/bearing in the boot at the firewall on the upper shaft.

 

[Sig Schecter]

I have a set of UCAs on the way so I’ll see if any noise persists after I get them installed