Metal "Clank" Noise in Steering Column [2009]

Dragline · 11-22-2010, 07:32 PM

My 2009 Mariner has been making a loud "clank" noise in the steering column. It occurs when the steering wheel is turned as far as it can go (to either the left or the right). It sounds like two pieces of metal clanking together. It occurs most frequently when backing out of a parking spot or the driveway and I turn the wheel as far as it can go (in either direction).

Has anyone else had this problem? Is there a TSB for this issue?

I took it to the dealer and they fed me a line of BS concluding with "it's normal". "It's normal" is their response for every problem I've had with this vehicle. I'm hoping there's a TSB or someone else's experience that I can report back to them with.

Canuck623 · 11-23-2010, 06:31 AM

As a former dealer tech I was forced to use "It's Normal" many times in response to a customer concern. Sometimes there is a big gap between what the vehicle is capable of, what the tech feels, or expected to do and the expectations of the driver. You should not hear any "loud" noises but it could be dry steering stops that cause the noise. In a full lock tun (not recommended) you increase the pump output to max which puts strain on all parts of the steering rack. Check the TSB titles listed on here and see if one fits then mention it to the dealer.

jsone · 11-23-2010, 08:55 AM

It really is normal for this vehicle . They have electric motor assisted power steering and the noise you hear is the mechanical stops contacting when the steering wheel is turned all the way either left or right . The only TSB related to steering noise is a noise (pop) that may be heard well before it reaches the stops .

Dragline · 11-23-2010, 10:44 AM

Originally Posted by jsone

It really is normal for this vehicle . They have electric motor assisted power steering and the noise you hear is the mechanical stops contacting when the steering wheel is turned all the way either left or right . The only TSB related to steering noise is a noise (pop) that may be heard well before it reaches the stops .

Although I wish it was really nothing, I seriously think something is wrong. The noise is loud and literally sounds like the steering column is ready to snap when it happens. Plus, it didn't do this when it was new. (In fact, it started happening after I had the dealer perform the TSB for the pop sound -- which is still there, too.)

Dominick · 11-23-2010, 04:29 PM

I wonder if they checked the universal joint in the steerng column!

Dominick · 11-23-2010, 04:30 PM

You have a joint at the top and bottom of the steering shaft.

mark v · 11-23-2010, 04:50 PM

I was always told working at the dealer that never bring the steering to the full lock, back it off a little cause severe strain is put on the pump when doing this plus it sounds horrible on a new car lot when it makes noise.

I still practice this today and never bring it to a full lock.

Dominick · 11-23-2010, 04:55 PM

Good post.
Same thing applies to your igntion lock cylinder turn it to full lock either way and you have on heck of a time getting it to disengage.

jsone · 11-25-2010, 06:26 PM

Originally Posted by mark v

I was always told working at the dealer that never bring the steering to the full lock, back it off a little cause severe strain is put on the pump when doing this plus it sounds horrible on a new car lot when it makes noise.

I still practice this today and never bring it to a full lock.

There is no pump it's electric .

jsone · 11-25-2010, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by Dragline

Although I wish it was really nothing, I seriously think something is wrong. The noise is loud and literally sounds like the steering column is ready to snap when it happens. Plus, it didn't do this when it was new. (In fact, it started happening after I had the dealer perform the TSB for the pop sound -- which is still there, too.)

If it make a pop before it hits the stop that's a problem and there is a TSB for it . But it is normal for the electric steering to make a clunk went the steering is turned to all the way to the stop in either direction . It isn't the same growling or belt slipping noise you hear from a hydraulic assist that has a pump . It is true turning a hydraulic assisted unit all the way to the stops and keeping it there for longer than momentary can damage the unit . But again the newer escapes ( 09 up ) have an electric assist .
I've driven several 09/10 escapes and including my own and they all do it .

jsone · 11-25-2010, 08:34 PM

Dragline , why not have the dealer let you drive another Escape from the lot or have them let you listen while you ride with them . Or go to another dealer for a test drive .

jsone · 11-28-2010, 09:35 PM

By the way I love the electric steering . The escape will also turn on a dime . U turns are no problem .

Dragline · 11-30-2010, 01:59 PM

Originally Posted by jsone

Dragline , why not have the dealer let you drive another Escape from the lot or have them let you listen while you ride with them . Or go to another dealer for a test drive .

We're going to take it to another dealership and see if we have any luck with their service department. I'll post back here with my results.

Searcher64 · 12-01-2010, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by Dragline

My 2009 Mariner has been making a loud "clank" noise in the steering column. It occurs when the steering wheel is turned as far as it can go (to either the left or the right). It sounds like two pieces of metal clanking together. It occurs most frequently when backing out of a parking spot or the driveway and I turn the wheel as far as it can go (in either direction).

Has anyone else had this problem? Is there a TSB for this issue?

I took it to the dealer and they fed me a line of BS concluding with "it's normal". "It's normal" is their response for every problem I've had with this vehicle. I'm hoping there's a TSB or someone else's experience that I can report back to them with.

Check and see if the ragjoint's bolts are loose. It has two bolts that keeps the steering and lower part sector connected. If the bolts are loose they will make a noise. When we tested the units at the plant in the shop. We would turn full left and right to check for noise, if the power steering bowl was not full, it would make a noise and jerk. This would also have a knock in the column. Let us know what you find.

jsone · 12-01-2010, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by Searcher64

Check and see if the ragjoint's bolts are loose. It has two bolts that keeps the steering and lower part sector connected. If the bolts are loose they will make a noise. When we tested the units at the plant in the shop. We would turn full left and right to check for noise, if the power steering bowl was not full, it would make a noise and jerk. This would also have a knock in the column. Let us know what you find.

If the power steering bowl you refer to is a fluid reservoir I think you missed the post that explained the 2009 and up escapes are electric assist . See like below .

http://www.aa1car.com/library/steeri...r_electric.htm

Dragline · 12-07-2010, 09:18 AM

The dealership claimed the problem was the stops. They replaced those, but the problem is still there. I also hear it making the same noise (but very faint) occasionally in mid-turn (and not up against the stops). So, I'll give it a few weeks and take it back again.

jsone · 12-07-2010, 08:53 PM

I just looked under mine to see what the stops are made of but didn't see any on the lower control arms . It's a bit cold here tonight even in the garage so I didn't spend a lot of time . I'm just curious where they're located on the 09 and up Escapes and the material used . Anyone know for sure ? In the past I've seen every thing from rubber , plastic and metal to metal .

wptski · 12-07-2010, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by jsone

I just looked under mine to see what the stops are made of but didn't see any on the lower control arms . It's a bit cold here tonight even in the garage so I didn't spend a lot of time . I'm just curious where they're located on the 09 and up Escapes and the material used . Anyone know for sure ? In the past I've seen every thing from rubber , plastic and metal to metal .

From the picture S9KB2004.pdf, it looks like any stops might be internal.

jsone · 12-08-2010, 07:40 AM

I agree after looking at the diagram I agree and am thinking there are no replaceable stops . I wonder if DRAGLINE's dealer told him they replaced the stops just to try and pacify him . I'm pretty sure the noise he hears at maximum steering lock is normal . The noise he describes at partial turn if in the steering gear would be my concern . It could be steering shaft u joints or loose clamp to rack assembly , excessive electric motor gear to rack backlash or a number of things . He may even be hearing some drive line backlash as he goes thru a turn .

wptski · 12-08-2010, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by jsone

I agree after looking at the diagram I agree and am thinking there are no replaceable stops . I wonder if DRAGLINE's dealer told him they replaced the stops just to try and pacify him . I'm pretty sure the noise he hears at maximum steering lock is normal . The noise he describes at partial turn if in the steering gear would be my concern . It could be steering shaft u joints or loose clamp to rack assembly , excessive electric motor gear to rack backlash or a number of things . He may even be hearing some drive line backlash as he goes thru a turn .

BS'd by a dealer???? No way!