I have a '99 e150 with about 130,000 miles. lately i've been hearing a thumping noise in the steering column. Especially when you move the wheel back and forth slightly(engine on or off). ball joints were replaced last year and recently replaced the drag links and tie rod ends. steering box is not original and was replaced in '09. I can feel this thumping in the wheel also. Any ideas on what it could be.
Thanks in advance

 

Sometimes you can isolate the problem by having someone turn the steering wheel to make the noise while you feel every moving part like the steering shaft etc. and you should be able to pin it down to the worn or defective part(s).

 

looks like I found the problem. my son got under the dashboard and found a u-joint type part connecting the steering column. I has some play in it. Is this something that is hard to replace or should be left to mechanic?
Thanks

 

I would suggest you study the shaft set-up. You will probably have to lower the steering column which is no big deal. You may or may not have the tools to press out the u-joint caps .Some come apart easily while others can be a little more demanding. If you decide to tackle it make sure the steering wheel stays locked in one position because if it rotates too much you could break the clockspring which affects airbag functions. Also be sure to mark the position of the shaft pieces in relation to one another so it goes back together as before disassembly and is properly aligned.

 

Thank you hanky for the advice. The airbag system concerns me so I think I'll leave this one for my mechanic