Loud engine noise inside cab. Steering column cover seal

Recently noticed louder engine noises inside the cabin. Unusually loud ticking with humming that goes louder with acceleration . More noticeable engine noise and tire noise. Went to the dealer to have it checked. I was expecting the usual it’s normal. Well, turned out the steering column seal/cover was cracked and fell off thus allowing engine noise and outside noise to be heard inside . They will try to have it covered under the 100t mile warranty but if not then I’ll just have to pay for it. Wonder what caused this .

Edit. Title. Problem solved

 

another thing to go out and check on my truck.

 

An update.
It’s now back to when it was new. A LOT quieter inside the cabin . The repair report states “ due to lack of grease found steering shaft boot to be binding on steering shaft and causing boot to come loose. “ Any way I authorized them to just replace the steering wheel cover sub assembly part # 45025-04050 . Can’t imagine the difference it made.
Im wondering if some guys here who has an older 3rd gen who complained of loud engine noise/ ticking inside the cabin actually has this happen to their taco.