I'm getting a grinding sound from the steering column

Hey guys, this is my first post, so be kind.

I have a 06 sr5 that I love, and currently the wife is driving it to work. Recently I've noticed a strange grinding/clicking sound that happens when she turns the front tires pretty far, like on a 3-point turn. Regular driving seems to be benign, and otherwise the truck is running fine as far as I can tell. She just had the fluids checked, and everything seems to be ok. Anyone got any ideas?

Thanks

 

Does it sort of sound like bags deflating? If so, that means she is hitting the bump stops. Completely normal.

 

No, this is a more aggressive sound, something I've never head before.

 

There is your problem, you let your wife drive.


Just kidding! Do you have any video of the sound? Are your mudflaps still completey intact, could they be rubbing because they are falling off as they so easily do? Is it a grind that sounds more like metal or more that the tire is rubbing something?

 

If it's coming from the steering column there are a few different areas to look in.
#1 check your column plastic covers to see if they are secure and flush with each other.
#2 Start the truck and turn the wheel while looking between the bottom of the wheel and said plastic covers. Look to see if they hit. will give you a rub/ scrape sound at every revolution at the same point.
#3 if you think it's in the top part of the column then you could have a clock spring / spiral cable starting to go.
There are many other situations that can cause noises so take your time and look things over.

 

Another diagnosis question: Is it just while driving or is the sound made while sitting still and turning the wheel?

 

sounds like cv joints, unless you have oversized tires, then they're rubbin"