Tech Tip: Pop or Clunk Noise from Steering Column Area While Turning

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Tech Tip: Pop or Clunk Noise from Steering Column Area While Turning

Some 2008-2010 Escape and Mariner vehicles built on or before 6/11/2010 may exhibit a pop or clunk noise from the steering column area while turning. This noise typically occurs quarter turn before the steering column reaches its end of travel stop and typically goes away with weight off the wheels.

Brake and Front End Staff
By Brake and Front End Staff
Published:

Subject: Pop/Clunk Noise on Turns
 
Vehicle Involved: 2008-2010 Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner built on or before 6/11/2010. 
 
Condition: Some 2008-2010 Escape and Mariner vehicles built on or before 6/11/2010 may exhibit a pop or clunk noise from the steering column area while turning. This noise typically occurs quarter turn before the steering column reaches its end of travel stop and typically goes away with weight off the wheels.  
 
Repair Procedure:   

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FAILURE TO PERFORM STEERING WHEEL POSITION SENSOR CALIBRATION PROCEDURE, AFTER STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT, MAY RESULT IN STEERING COLUMN NOISE ON TURNS.

Verify noise is coming from steering column and/or steering shaft area and occurs before steering wheel reaches its end of travel stop.  

If noise is only present when the steering wheel contacts end of travel stop, it is a normal characteristic of the vehicle and this procedure does not apply.
 
Replace both the steering shaft and steering shaft coupling u-joint per Service Manual.  

Torque the steering column coupling-to-steering column shaft bolt to 52 lb-ft (70 N.m).

Tech Tip courtesy of Raybestos Brake & Chassis.

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Buick Encore Alignment Service

Alignments are key to the health of the tires and some of the advanced safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping.

Andrew Markel
By Andrew Markel
Andrew Markel is the director of content for Brake & Front End magazine. He has been with Babcox Media for 20 years. He is a technician and former service writer and holds several automotive certifications from ASE and ­aftermarket manufacturers. He can be reached at [email protected].
Published:

The 2012-2022 Buick Encore is based on the Gamma II platform that is shared with the Chevy Trax. This has been the best-selling Buick for several years. Like a lot of modern vehicles, the alignment specs are tight with almost no adjustments built in except for toe. However, alignments are key to the health of the tires and some of the advanced safety systems like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping.
Front Suspension
The front suspension on the Encore has a single lower control arm and MacPherson struts. Some models have a suspension dampener on the front bolt of the lower control arm. The part helps to control vibration that could be transmitted to the subframe. If the caster is out of specification, look at the bushings on the lower control arm for damage. Camber can be adjusted by installing cam bolts in the lower hole of the strut mount. This should give ±1.75 degrees of adjustability. Inspection of the lower control arm is a critical part of aligning the Encore. The arm can be bent due to curb strikes and the bushings can quickly deteriorate. Also, inspect the sway bar links for any signs the ends have play.
Rear Suspension
The Encore comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive versions. Both versions use a trailing arm beam axle. The camber and toe for the front-wheel-drive version can be adjusted with shims. Unfortunately, there are no adjustments for the all-wheel-drive version. If camber or toe are out of specification in the rear, look for a damaged wheel. If the thrust angle is out of specifications, inspect the trailing arm bushings.

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