I just did an idler arm and pitman arm on my dads 2001 ecsb 4.8 4x4. To get the pitman arm off I took off the power steering box. When I put everything back together there is an extremely annoying clicking noise coming from the steering wheel. It sounds like plastic clicking. It does this when it's parked not running or driving. It wasn't doing it before I pulled everything apart but now it does. It is easily heard in the cab and it sounds like it is right at the steering wheel or right in the plastic piece behind it. Any help would be appreciated. I did some searching around here and saw a thread about the steering column recall but it was fine before I did this. Thanks again guys.

-Mike

 

Bump. Any suggestions at all? Its so effing annoying!

 

did you have the steering wheel turned 180* and snapped the clockspring wires?

do you get an airbag light when you turn the truck on?

 

I don't believe the steering wheel was turned, but when I put everything back together (Replacing the idler and pitman arm) the steering wheel was cocked a bit. Probably like 20 degrees but I figured after replacing those parts it is going to need to be aligned again even though the old ones weren't worn really. I haven't checked the wiring behind the steering wheel or anything around it yet. Should I take a look for something specific and if so, is there a specific way of doing it? Thanks for the response Ketis!

 

start up the truck and see if the airbag light comes on.