The Dodge Challenger Message Board

I have a horrible grinding/hissing sound when pressure is applied to the steering, particularly on right turn. It's a manual box and doesn't seem to be speed related. Could this be a fault in the box or column. Has anyone experienced anything like this please? I'm at a loss to understand what it could be!

What does it sound like when the car is sitting still and you crank on the steering wheel? It might be the wheel bearings if the sound only comes while the car is in motion. In a manual box there is no 'pressure' like a power box has.(hydraulic pressure). Also check the engine mounts and all belts hoses fan blade shroud ectt could be something rubbing during a turn. Another thing I just thought of,, do you have Big Block with headers and a fast ratio pitman arm along with a long idler arm(aftermarket Moog)?

Some things I'd look at...

Wheel bearings

steering column...make sure the shaft isn't rubbing against the tube. Look for shiny spots where rubbing could have occured. There is a small upper bearing but that would make noise in both dirrections.

steering coupler...make sure the coupler is clean and free from dirt. Repak it with grease. You can get a kit at you local dealer to rebuild it.

steering box mounts...the factory didn't weld the k-members very well. Sometimes the steering box mounts can accually break away from the k-member. CHeck the welds and have them repaired if nessesary.

Finally, the box itself may need a rebuild.

Thanks for replies.
Checked out some things this morning -
With car standing and turning the steering wheel - no noise
With car standing and engine running, turn wheel - noise appears
Turn engine off while noise audible - noise disappears.

It's a 440 with headers (don't know what pitman arm Eddie) BUT one pipe is routed very, very close to steering column. In fact column shows signs of rubbing! Guess it could be something to do with this. I'll need to engage another pair of hands to experiment.

Sounds like you found the problem! I would remove the header and place a small dent in the tube where it's rubbing. You might be able to dent it without removing the header but it will be difficult to place a dent in it without removing it. On a set of E-Body Hookers I bought used,, the drivers side tube had a large dent in it,,(The number 7 cylinder,, the last one on the drivers side),probably from the same symptoms you described! I sold them after my engine dyno testing. I'm gonna use either Dougs or TTI's, both very expensive but fit very well! Good Luck,,and let us know how it turns out.

Make sure the steering mount isn't flexing and moving the box into the header.

Sorted. The column was in contact with the header at times and engine noise transmitted through the column. With a bit of heat the header pipe was eased away and bingo! - noise gone.