squeak coming from steering column/ under dash

[tpl77]

I'm going nuts trying to find this squeak/ chirping noise that starts when I get up to about 30mph and faster. I lubed the column, sprayed the pivot and linkage on the brake petal, I can hold the shift lever, turn signal, parking brake, lift up on the wheel, push down on the wheel, I'm trying to identify what is vibrating but cannot find where it comes from. I'm running out of ideas. Does anyone have an idea or a story that could point me? I'm wondering if the speedometer cable is making the noise.....it's a 69 ranger (auto)...

[sargentrs]

I'd be inclined to think speedo cable. Might try disconnecting it at the speedo and spraying some lubricant down the cable.

[Subzero]

I have the exact same problem with my own truck. Drives me crazy too, I even sprayed WD40 on everything I could find to see if it would go away. If I push down on my wheel it goes away. If you listen under the hood it sounds like it's coming from the steering box area.

[tpl77]

I took the instrument cluster out and sprayed the end of the speedometer cable. I was able to get it out on the road for a quick 2 mile ride on a bumpy road and heard nothing..... I may have solved it, but I'll report back one more time after I get out for a longer trip. The roads are wet today and maybe the squeak is hidden due to the wet conditions. I could not agree more, however, the noise drives me nuts!

[tpl77]

....swing and a miss. Still squeaking. I was out and about last night and it may have something to do with after the cab has warmed up. I'm going to try to pinpoint it this weekend. It's like nails on a chalkboard!!! Stay tuned...

[72BahamaBlue]

Could it be the lever thet sticks out of the lower column, nearest the steering gear?

[tpl77]

If you're talking about the lever that moves the neutral safety switch, this is not making the noise. I have checked it and sprayed a little lube on it. I had no time to investigate this weekend, but I ran a couple errands and as it squeaked it just sounds like something under the dash. I'm going to look at the dash cover or any bolted connection under the dash. I would have never thought this would be that tricky, but at the speed it begins and how it chirps when you hit rather small bumps or just a little roughness on the road, it gets hard to pinpoint!!

[sargentrs]

Left front cab mount bushing?

[tac]

It could still be the speedo cable/head that lubing will not fix. To make sure it's not, pull the cable out of the transmission and remove the driven gear (clip). Put it back in without the gear on it to keep oil from running out and then drive it.

[72BahamaBlue]

If you're talking about the lever that moves the neutral safety switch, this is not making the noise.

I thought it might be the lever sticking out of the column where the trans shifter rod connects. Under the hood, near the rag joint. Might be dry and sending squeaks up the column. Does squeak go away if you hold the shifter while driving?

[CrypticRacer13]

Seems to me ive heard about guys using white grease for the cables!?! have not had mine out yet to try in but i supose you pull the hose cable out of the sleve an grease it re-install back into the truck. Give it a try

[tpl77]

...well, I got it, but there's a problem. I lubed the column at the rag joint and linkage below, like suggested. Then I pulled the horn ring off and yanked the wheel off and lubed there. Then I cleaned the spring behind the wheel, the area where it sits in there, put it all back together. I was not able to drive it until today and no squeak. So, I solved it, but cannot pinpoint which of the above did it... sorry, but those who are reading this are thinking "I didn't like the ending."

[sargentrs]

The end justifies the means. Congratulations!

[tac]

Called the "Shotgun Approch" and has worked for me in the past.