2009 Escape Steering Wheel Squeak

DavidPJ · 05-21-2010, 05:37 AM

Early since I've owned my '09 Escape the steering wheel squeaked when turning left or right. At first I could barely hear it, then it got a little louder so I took it to my dealer. They said they replaced the steering column but it didn't help at all.

Now the squeak's even louder and I'll definitely have the dealer look at it again at my next oil change. Anyone else had this problem?

phantom · 05-21-2010, 06:27 AM

I thought there was a tsb pm me your vin and I can check for you.

Cuda_jim · 05-21-2010, 07:32 AM

It's been around a while the old one is
TSB 04-22-10

Here's the latest one I think, might be a newer one too.

DavidPJ · 05-24-2010, 05:01 AM

Originally Posted by Cuda_jim

It's been around a while the old one is
TSB 04-22-10

Here's the latest one I think, might be a newer one too.

Thanks Jim! The symptoms in the TSB describe exactly what I've been hearing. Unfortunately the TSB is for the 2001-2007 Escape. I checked the latest list of 2009 Escape TSBs and couldn't find one for a steering wheel squeak. I'll still provide this TSB to the dealer and maybe it will help.

Dave

DavidPJ · 08-07-2010, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by DavidPJ

Early since I've owned my '09 Escape the steering wheel squeaked when turning left or right. At first I could barely hear it, then it got a little louder so I took it to my dealer. They said they replaced the steering column but it didn't help at all.

Now the squeak's even louder and I'll definitely have the dealer look at it again at my next oil change. Anyone else had this problem?

This is an update to my original post. Earlier this week my Escape was in for service and the steering wheel was replaced for defective leather. The dealer also fixed the squeak, but I don't know what they did to resolve it. They bundled the squeak service in with the steering wheel replacement. If I listen very carefully, I can still sometimes hear a slight squeak, but that's only if I'm really trying to hear it. Hopefully it won't get any louder.

nieds27 · 08-16-2010, 07:36 PM

My 2009 Escape steering wheel also squeaks when making turns. I can hear it if I don't have the radio on and it is extremely irritating. It's been in and out of the shop so many times for other things I forget to ask them about the squeaking. I need to start making a list so I'll have it the next time.

DavidPJ · 08-23-2010, 05:14 AM

I agree, it's annoying. I typically don't listen to the radio so I hear it frequently. My dealer claimed they replaced the steering column when I first reported the problem but the squeak persisted. Since having the steering wheel replaced the squeak isn't as loud but it's still there. I'm going to report it again on my next service visit. Lately most problems on my Escape are never fixed the first time. It takes 2-4 visits to resolve a problem.

DavidPJ · 09-03-2010, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by DavidPJ

I agree, it's annoying. I typically don't listen to the radio so I hear it frequently. My dealer claimed they replaced the steering column when I first reported the problem but the squeak persisted. Since having the steering wheel replaced the squeak isn't as loud but it's still there. I'm going to report it again on my next service visit. Lately most problems on my Escape are never fixed the first time. It takes 2-4 visits to resolve a problem.

Well the squeak is louder now since having the steering wheel replaced. It's probably as loud as it originally was when I first reported the problem. Anyone else besides nieds27 hear the squeak and has the dealer repaired it?

Dave

DavidPJ · 09-10-2010, 03:01 PM

To try and ellimate the steering wheel squeak, dealer replaced Air Bag Sliding Contact - Clockspring, . I was told the squeak was significantly reduced. I drove it home and so far the squeak is less noticable. We'll see how it works out over time. If it doesn't get any louder the problem is solved well enough.

seand43 · 09-10-2010, 04:45 PM

My 03 squeaks! Drives me crazy. I have had it apart at least 10 times to try and fix it. The squeak always comes back. I have done the TBS but it is not the problem I am having. It sounds like molding rubbing (or something) inside the steering wheel itself. Not really information to help you but I just thought I'd chime in.

DavidPJ · 10-08-2010, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by DavidPJ

To try and ellimate the steering wheel squeak, dealer replaced Air Bag Sliding Contact - Clockspring, . I was told the squeak was significantly reduced. I drove it home and so far the squeak is less noticable. We'll see how it works out over time. If it doesn't get any louder the problem is solved well enough.

The squeak immediatly returned to it's normal annoying level and I took it to another dealer and had them look at it. They verifyed they could hear it, but said it was normal. They claim other Escape's do the same thing. The "clockspring" in the airbag had nothing to do with it. Looks like I'm stuck with the squeak.

jsone · 10-08-2010, 02:08 PM

I've never noticed mine squeaking but I do have some high frequency hearing loss thanks to my younger years .

jsone · 10-09-2010, 06:50 AM

I forgot to mention I have had the issue with previous vehicles , a Dodge Caravan and a Chevy Malibu , the noise was intermittent , never resolved and thought to be the clock spring . It was worse in cold weather .

DavidPJ · 10-20-2010, 08:22 AM

A Ford Field Engineer looked at the squeak and determined it was normal for that model. It's just the degree of squeak that varies between Escapes.

I guess I just have to get used to things that clunk, squeak, and wear out prematurely on my Ford, because it's all normal operation.

wptski · 10-20-2010, 11:42 AM

Originally Posted by DavidPJ

A Ford Field Engineer looked at the squeak and determined it was normal for that model. It's just the degree of squeak that varies between Escapes.

I guess I just have to get used to things that clunk, squeak, and wear out prematurely on my Ford, because it's all normal operation.

Just curious but where are you located?

DavidPJ · 06-26-2011, 04:59 AM

Just wondering if anyone with the steering wheel squeak was able to have it repaired. Mine still squeaks as loud as it was when I first reported the problem.

TahoeBoy · 01-06-2012, 04:05 PM

I did the complete fluid flush and changover on my 03' Escape per the service bulletin. It made no changes whatsoever, although the steering feels better with the new fluid. The bulletin stated to switch over to Mercon V Auto Trans fluid and the steering gear box would quiet down. Did that and lubed the steering shaft with silicon spray.
I too am on the quest to remedy this problem. The squeaking is very irritating.