Expedition 4WD V8-5.4L SOHC VIN 5 (2005)
Steering Shaft: All Technical Service Bulletins
Steering - Steering Column Creak/Pop/Tick Noise
TSB 04-26-23
12/31/04
CLUNK, POP, CREAK OR TICK NOISE FROM STEERING COLUMN
FORD:
2003-2005 Expedition
LINCOLN:
2003-2005 Navigator
This article supersedes TSB 04-16-14 to update the Service Procedure and affected model years.
ISSUE
Some 2003-2005 Expedition/Navigator vehicles built before 10/18/2004 may exhibit a clunk, pop, creak, or tick noise coming from the steering column.
The noise may occur during acceleration, deceleration and/or while going over bumps, and is most noticeable after the vehicle is warmed up. The tick
noise may occur when rapidly and repeatedly turning the steering wheel to the left or right.
ACTION
For a clunk, pop or creak condition, it may be necessary to replace the lower intermediate steering shaft. For a tick condition, inspect the upper-to-lower
intermediate shaft union. Refer to the correct Service Procedure based on symptom.
SERVICE PROCEDURE - Clunk, Pop Or Creak
NOTE
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ADD GREASE TO THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT TO RESOLVE THE CONDITION.
NOTE
BE SURE THE VEHICLE IS AT FULL OPERATING TEMPERATURE DURING VERIFICATION.
1.
Road test the vehicle to verify the condition.
2.
If condition is verified, replace the lower intermediate steering shaft following the service procedure in Workshop Manual Section 211-04. Torque
the upper-to-lower intermediate shaft bolt to 40 lb-ft (55 N.m).
NOTE
CHECK BUILD DATE CODES ON THE REPLACEMENT SHAFT PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. ONLY INSTALL PARTS BUILT AFTER
DATE CODE 0410080X (OCTOBER 8, 2004). THE LAST TWO DIGITS OF THE DATE CODE (0X) INDICATE THE SHIFT IN WHICH THE
PARTS WERE BUILT (X CAN EQUAL 1, 2, OR 3).
SERVICE PROCEDURE - Tick
1.
Turn steering wheel rapidly and repeatedly to the left or right while parked to verify the condition.
2.
If the condition is verified, inspect the upper-to-lower intermediate shaft union and re-torque the bolt to 40 lb-ft (55 N.m).
3.
If the noise is still present, follow normal diagnostics.