2005 steering column squealing | Ford Thunderbird club group 1955-2005 T-Bird models

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2005 steering column squealing

  • Thread starter Thread starter Earthrider
  • Start date Start date
Earthrider

Earthrider

VIP Member
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Thunderbird Year
2005
Over the the last year when my steering column retracts and raises when removing the ignition key there is this terrible squawking noise. This doesn’t occur when the column is adjusted forward for most of its travel but only from the fully extended position. I have had it apart and lubricated what I could find as to any related mechanical mechanisms but to no avail. Any ideas out there?
Thanks!

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Yes, I have had the same problem with my 2004. Any help much appreciated.
 
Same problem with my 2004 bird (138k miles). It is a sporadic problem. I continue trying to figure out what driving condition is causing it.
 
Mine is not a driving condition. It happens when I pull the key from the ignition and the steering wheel returns to the 'easy out' position.
 
my problem is that the steering wheel stays in the far up position and will not rotate down. Once in a while it will but mostly stuck un the full up position.
 
In the past I did see that we could remove the housing below the steering wheel and lube where the motors move the wheel, but I can't get the housing loose. I have tried a phillips #2 but it doesn't work. Any suggestions?
 
My steering wheel make a winding sound when turning wile backing up and turning the steering wheel. Most when the weather is very warm.
 
Danderoo said:
My 2005 does this too. Most of the remedies say to replace the steering column. Haven't tried that yet, will probably do it this summer.
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I have a 2003 & my steering column began making this noise less than a year ago. To be clear it only does so when i put the key in & pull the key out of the ignition. Shop looked into it & informed me the issue within the column is the Actuator. The shop’s solution suggestion is to Replace the steering column. I have not yet researched availibility of 2003 Thunderbird Steering Columns My dad owned a ‘56 Tbird that has a telescoping steering column & it Never gave any problems, not one time. Comparably there is none between the ‘56 & my ‘03 other than the styling. Different animals entirely.
Q: Anybody have a suggestion where to look for replacement steering column for 2003 Tbird? What is the cost for this, part & labor? Thank you for your time.
 
doug7740 said:
The sound you are hearing might not be coming from the steering column. Technical Service Bulletin 06-5-16 addresses this issue.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue
View attachment 36656View attachment 36657View attachment 36658
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Thank you for the Technical Bulletin info. That issue is not what my ‘03 is doing & at this point i’m not sure which issue’s worse. Worst case for mine is of course to replace the steering column but that Tech Bulletin solution is -or could be costly / hassle. My issue is when i slide the key or remove the key from the ignition the automatic steering wheel positioner (?what’s the actual name for the mechanism, anybody?)
As it extends / retracts position there’s an annoying rubbing sound. Seems like something needs a lube, simple but the shop i asked to check it out informed me it is the Actuator & the recommended solution per Ford is replace the steering column. There’s no lubing the actuator or something along those lines, just straight to replacing the column. Again no lube, no repair, no adjustments, no in between. Dare i say that Ford probably didn’t manufacture multiple replacement steering columns for RetroBird & so there isn’t one just sitting on a shelf in some Ford Archival Warehouse waiting for me to order. WTF FORD⁉️
I sure do appreciate the help. Thanks again for your response.
 
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