2002 Ford Econoline E-250, Noise While Turning Right (Page 1/1)
RWDPLZ SEP 26, 01:16 PM
As the title states, only makes a noise while turning right, kind of a metal grinding noise. Standing still in the driveway, it only makes the noise when the steering gear is towards the right side of it's travel (when the wheels are pointing to the right). Everything looks OK under there as far as I can tell, I never work on this thing because I never have to, as much as I hate Ford products, it's extremely reliable, 74,000 original miles, owned since new.

Here's a video clip:



Everything looks good on the right side, except the sway bar bushing is a bit perished?



I did notice on the left side, however, the left inner tie rod looks like it's leaking grease



This caked on grease at the end of the right inner tie rod appears normal?



I suck at truck suspension diagnostics.
carnut122 SEP 26, 08:11 PM
Only turn left... problem solved.
Tony Kania SEP 26, 10:09 PM
I miss my last 250.

Have someone turn the wheel while you inspect the front end. A stethescope is a godsend.

The grease looks normal to me. Mine was always like that.

Good luck,

Tony
jb1 SEP 29, 04:19 AM
steering gear or pump, would be my best guess being it makes noise while setting still turning the wheels.. probably steering gear

[This message has been edited by jb1 (edited 09-29-2012).]

joesfiero SEP 30, 10:29 AM
I didnt hear the noise in your video, but the ball joints are very common on those, upper and lower. Also see if you can get someone to turn side to side while you watch the suspension for movement, called a dry park check. If you can hear the noise from underneath you may be able to pinpoint it just like that too. The grease on the inner tie rod should be fine, as long as there is no play in the joint, also checked while doing a dry park.

A pump wouldnt make a noise in one direction only but a gear can.

-Joe
E.Furgal SEP 30, 10:49 AM
I hurd the noise while turning both ways, it stopped after you stopped turning after you hit the turn signal stock..
check the belt tensioner pully.. bet the bearing in that pully is dead.. and the extra force on the belt when the pump is working is the noise you got.. remember to turn right the box has to push the right wheel with a long set of links, and pull a left wheel with a short link..
and left turn push a wheel with a short link and pull the longer link wheel.. pull is easier then push..
check the belt tentioner pully,bearing bet you find it and the belt dead..