Steering wheel squeak

[ewclement]

Brought may car into Ford for a steering wheel squeak. Showed the service manager the service notice about changing steering fluid but he said that the squeek can only be fixed by replacing the unit. It will only cost me a $100 deductable, so I'm having it done. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

[steelblue5505]

Re: Steering wheel squeak

Yes I did and mine was fixed with the steering fluid additive. I was under the impression that this is the first step and if the noise either is not removed or returns that the complete rack is replaced. My service writer elected to try the fluid change 1st. This 4 years ago, over 30,000 miles ago.

[Vintage Merlot]

Re: Steering wheel squeak

Fluid solved my problem.

[ewclement]

Re: Steering wheel squeak

It would have cost me $125 to change the fluid so for $100 deductable I got a new unit and an alignment. Is their a down side to getting a new unit instead of changing the fluid?

ewclement

[islandtime]

Re: Steering wheel squeak

The squeak is covered under warrenty. There was a TSB on it. Both of mine were done, no charge. Many members here have had it done.

[PaulD]

Re: Steering wheel squeak

The squeak is covered under warrenty. There was a TSB on it. Both of mine were done, no charge. Many members here have had it done.

Is the warrenty only for those with the extended Ford warrenty or is something seperate like the COPS?

[islandtime]

Re: Steering wheel squeak

I know several people who did not have an extended warrenty of any type, but the TSB essentially acknowledged it was a flaw and covered by Ford (basically a recall). That's how my service manager read it, though I was covered anyway.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Steering wheel squeak

Paul,
Here is the #04-10-1
Not certain it is actually a TSB as the title on the document is called Article 04-10-1.

Look here on TBN
http://www.thunderbirdnest.com/forum...ead.php?t=5812

[Wheats]

Re: Steering wheel squeak

I too had the squeak,although i was covered by extended warranty i removed all the fluid from the reservoir and then mixed additive and fluid as directed.That was 6months ago and so far so good.I felt if it didn't work i would take it in.

[NorthernBird]

Re: Steering wheel squeak

I had it early on, less than 2 years old, replaced unit, covered under warranty.

[My Raven]

Re: Steering wheel squeak

I have just learned to live with it as comes and goes ... When someone asks I just reply "the ole girls arthritis is acting up again ..."

[Brad]

Re: Steering wheel squeak

I had the squeek I think I was still under warranty at the time but I had to agree to pay for the fluid change however the "fix" didn't work and they replaced the entire "rack" at no charge to me.