when i back out of parking spot (low acceleration) and turn the wheel i get this horrible squeeking/grinding noise, i can hear it both inside/outside, (seems to be right by the firewall on the outside)i know its something in the steering column like a bushing (sounds like metal on teflon/plastic) or something but was wondering if anyone knows what this is/or had the same problem. it seems to go away or is masked by the sound of the 420a after i get over like 5-10 mph.
anyone replaced/tinkered with their steering column. any ideas??
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1998 Dodge Avenger I4 auto (paprika)
Mods are iceman intake, ported TB, UD pulley, Flowmaster 50 series muffler, magnecore 8.5mm wires, bosal header, S-AFC, JSP mini-scorpion wing, dreamspeed coilovers, koni yellows, tranny cooler, dual 6" silver stri

I have a similar problem too. It's not as bad as a grinding noise though, just a small squeek that seems to come from just behind where the steering wheel and the column meet. Maybe some kind of lubricant will work? 10w-40? It goes away at about 10mph like mcgyvr said. Any help would be appreciated, it's annoying.

Dave

Well if it helps any, mine does it but it just started doing it but I have a broken steering rack which is being replaced tomorrow so I will let you know if it goes away after that.



current status unknown

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Perf:
KYB AGX Struts
Neuspeed Sport Springs
5 Strut Bars (2 F/U, F/L, R/U, R/L)
Sprint Front Camber Kit
$15 Rear Camber Kit
Corbin's A/F Gauge
MSD DIS-2 Ignition System
Some Regrind Cams that need High Compression (which I don't have)
Ported Intake Manifold
Ported Throttle Body
Drop in K&N Filter and open airbox
Custom 2 1/2 inch exhaust with Dual DTM Muffler
Empty Catalytic Convertor
Energy Suspension Motor Mount inserts
Hurricane_GS Short Shifter
Symborsky Shift Kit
Clutchmasters Stage 3 Modular
225/50/16inch Wheels and Tires


Audio:
Alpine CD Head Unit
Alpine Flex4 25W X 4 for Fronts and Rears
Alpine V-12 450W X 1 for Subs
Infinity Reference Series 5 1/4 and 1 inch tweeter component systems for fronts and rears
Blaupunkt 3 way 6x9's in the rears
3 MTX 5000 10" 12 ohm subs running 4 ohms mono

This seems like it may be a common occurance, I have the same problem... and this was the only post I could find that describes this squeak I have.

Seems like some sort of rubbing in the steering column or wheel/hub assembly. Definitly not a belt, or a suspension sound, its like there is friction in my steering column...

Has anyone resolved this??? I beleive it would also happen if i were at a complete stop and turned the wheel...

Thanks

its a bushing on the steering column, it reguires replacing the whole steering column. its not necessary to do at all, Ive been driving like that since I origionally posted this and the noise has gone away and been gone for over a year now with no problems