Steering Wheel Squeaks

[Pattys04]

Hello Fellow T-Bird Members,

I've been meaning to post this question since I became a new member in
12/07.

Since 12/07 our '04 has develped a squeak coming from the steering wheel. This seems to develop when the car is at full operating temperature and is most noticeable when I am turning at low speed. The car operates fine when first started and for most of the day.

I have read various reports on this condition in the forum and even downloaded a service bulletin from Ford (article #04-10-1). However I tend to be skeptical that a mechanic would go through the entire procedure the ariticle suggests.

My general question is if there is anything I could undertake myself without being counterproductive. I'm an old backyard mechanic of 'moderate' abilities. But this was also in the pre-computer chip era.

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Wayne

[Ray]

Re: Steering Wheel Squeaks

I had this problem on my '03. They replaced the power steering fluid per a TSB, and I haven't had the problem since.

[Latebird]

Re: Steering Wheel Squeaks

Very common problem on 2003-04 Birds and Lincoln LS

See Ford Technical Service Bulletin (TBS) 04-10-1

Ford will fix it free under Warranty or EXtended Warranty
or try to make a deal if your warranty is expired.
My Warranty is expired, but I only have 10K on the car...
so I will try to get them to meet me half way....
or let the "bird" fly the coop!

[jimvit1]

Re: Steering Wheel Squeaks

I've got the same problem and plan to take it in and see if they can do something about it. I'm still under warr. till july. Also see if the computer has the most resent update.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Steering Wheel Squeaks

mine is a sound I would not call a squeek. It is more like a moan with a slight vibration felt if you hold the steering wheel lightly. It too only is felt & heard at slow speeds and tight turns. The temp. of the day doesn't seem to matter.

[Wheats]

Re: Steering Wheel Squeaks

I came across the TSB for this and decided to give it a half hearted attempt.Instead of doing the full procedure i used a turkey baster to remove all of the fluid from the reservoir then mixed the additive i got from the dealer with the Mercon fluid as directed.After filling the reservoir to the proper level i jacked up the front end and followed the rest of the TSB procedure.The squeak never really bothered me but it's gone now!

[rcjohny]

Re: Steering Wheel Squeaks

Mine also went away with the fluid change on my 03 ///////////////////////