How to Lube Pinion Seal on Electronic Steering? 2013 XLT

[futurevalue]

In our 2013 XLT there is a squeaking noise when turning the steering wheel. Granted, it's not the whine that is typically associated with the power steering going out, and I've even taken it to a mechanic who said that isn't the issue. It's more like the noise you hear when you use dry erase markers on a whiteboard...

Anyway, the shop couldn't diagnose it other than saying they needed to replace >$1000 of parts on a guess that it would resolve the noise. I politely said no thanks.

The thing is, several years ago a different mechanic (can't go back - we've moved) said they "lubed the pinion seal on the rack" and that eliminated the noise for the past few years. Does anyone know how I can do that, or where that specific seal is? I can't seem to find any specifics on the forum, and while I did see the recall notes regarding the creaking noise when steering that seems to be related to the front bumper, which isn't the source of this noise.

 

[03WIExplorerLtd]

In our 2013 XLT there is a squeaking noise when turning the steering wheel. Granted, it's not the whine that is typically associated with the power steering going out, and I've even taken it to a mechanic who said that isn't the issue. It's more like the noise you hear when you use dry erase markers on a whiteboard...

Anyway, the shop couldn't diagnose it other than saying they needed to replace >$1000 of parts on a guess that it would resolve the noise. I politely said no thanks.

The thing is, several years ago a different mechanic (can't go back - we've moved) said they "lubed the pinion seal on the rack" and that eliminated the noise for the past few years. Does anyone know how I can do that, or where that specific seal is? I can't seem to find any specifics on the forum, and while I did see the recall notes regarding the creaking noise when steering that seems to be related to the front bumper, which isn't the source of this noise.

Did you ask them to grease it?

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum future value.
I don't recall this comment about lubing the seal has ever come up before. I don't know this will be of any help. Steering Gear & Linkage for 2013 Ford Explorer | Auto Nation Ford White Bear Lake

Peter

 

[futurevalue]

Welcome to the Forum future value.
I don't recall this comment about lubing the seal has ever come up before. I don't know this will be of any help. Steering Gear & Linkage for 2013 Ford Explorer | Auto Nation Ford White Bear Lake

Peter

Thanks Peter - I’ll take a look at that to see if I can make heads or tails of it

 

[futurevalue]

Did you ask them to grease it?

Yeah - they didn't seem to understand what I said though, and there's no mention of it in the service notes