Chirping Noise Stops When Moving the Steering Wheel

Good day all.

2006 4x4, Double cab, long bed owner here. Love the truck, but this new chirping noise is gonna drive me to drink (even more). It only happens when moving and I only notice it when the window is open. If I move the steering wheel either way, even just a fraction, it stops. It literally sounds like a bird is sitting on the hood chirping away!

Could this be a wheel bearing? Or something related to the steering rack? My mechanic mentioned at the last oil change there was a slight leak in the steering rack, but I don’t see it.

Anyone have any ideas on this one?

Thanks!

 

Noises/sounds are extremely difficult to troubleshoot on the internet. It's like going on WebMD saying you have a cough and 5 minutes later you think you have brain cancer...

Anyways I digress. How is the level of your power steering fluid? When is the last time you changed it out and/or what type of fluid was used?

Does the chirping sound change with speed of the vehicle? I.e. does it sound like faster chirping when you are doing 45mph instead of 5mph or does it stay constant?

You mentioned it sounds like the chirpy bird is on your hood, but does it sound like the bird is closer to either side of the vehicle or maybe inside a particular wheel?

Any other vibrations or grinding noise that go along with the sound?

When is the last time you greased your U joints? Have the wheel bearings ever been replaced?

 

Thanks wi_taco! Amazing comprehensive write up!

I bought the truck used about 6 months ago, so I don’t know about power steering fluid changes or type (fluid level is ok), also don’t know if or when wheel bearings have been replaced. Although it’s a 2006, it only has about 60,000 miles on it.

The chirping does seem to increase with speed, so I suspect it has to do with something rotating. There are no other noises or vibration. It seems like it’s coming from the front drivers side, but it is hard to pinpoint.

I think I’ll start with greasing u-joints, then flush the power steering fluid. After that, I guess wheel bearings are next on the list!

Thanks again for all your help!