My steering wheel on my 2003 Fleetwood Excursion 38' makes a loud squealing noise near the base where it goes through the floorboard. It only makes the noise on hard turns. Any suggestions ?? By the way whoever suggest checking my rear camera connection at the rear of the coach(lost Picture) was right on target. The connection just came lose. Thank you so much. It was a job because I had no rear inspection plate. I had to remove the camera mounting plate by removing 4 pop rivots. I had no idea they make a 5/16 pop rivot. Found the 5/16 rivot but haven't found a rivot gun that big yet - what a pain. I have temporarily t fixed but not right yet. Still looking for that big gun. I'm going to check a tool rental place tommorrow. LOVE THIS FORUM.

Check the powersteering fluid level and also the belt condition adjustment etc. some where to start

I'm assuming that the Excursion is a gas model? If so, there is two possibilities, both an easy fix. 1. The power steering belt is loose, just tighten it up.2. The power steering belt is worn out, the mating surface is very shinny and not able to grip the power steering - replace the belt.

Hi Mike! About your steering, when you say hard turn are you holding the wheel against the stops? Whenever I make a tight turn, I turn the steering wheel until it stops, then I back off just a little so as to be not holding against the stop but just so the wheel is free. That keeps the steering system from working to hard and it doesn't make noise.As far as your rivets, can you run some short sheet metal screws in, with some sealant pucky for good measure. You may have to drill the holes in the mount for larger screws to fit, but that way it would be easy to open up again in the future.P.S. I would use stainless steel screws!Good luck!Jay

Yup, agree with both above, moreso the belt, but check the fluid while you're in there.

So the power steering belt is right under the floorboard? The noise is not when I hold it all the way hard it when I make a big turn. and the noise sounds like it is above the floorboard. I could be wrong - it wouldn't be the first time. I will check belt and fluid tomorrow. Thanks

Steering wheel squeals when I make hard turn ???

kuzined
Explorer
Jun 29, 2013
Just something I found on my 05 Fleetwood. When you crank it hard to the left, the tire rubs up against the leveling jack on the drivers side. One fellow told me he didnt realize what was happening until the casing broke and the gears of the jack got trashed. I checked mine and sure enough there were rub marks on the electric jack.I guess you can take out the bolts and give the jack a quarter turn to move it back a bit. I just am aware about turning too hard to the left.
bsinmich
Explorer
Jun 29, 2013
An '03 Fleetwood Excursion is a DP so the power steering hose and pump are 35' away from the driver when turning. The only th9i9ng up front is the steering shaft and PS gearbox.
wolfe10
Explorer
Jun 28, 2013
Since we don't have confirmation of what chassis you have, guess I'll add a note that affects all diesels and could apply to gas rigs as well (I don't know the gas rigs part).

You should NEVER be able to turn the wheel far enough to contact the axle stops. There should be a 1/8" gap between wheel max cut angle and the axle stops. You have enough hydraulic assist that you could potentially bend parts if the wheel cut angle contacted the stop. I know on our last coach, I adjusted the max cut angle (Sheppard steering box) and verified that there was a gap at the axle stop.

And, if a diesel, it is quite likely that you have a filter in the system. Verify with your chassis maker. If so, change fluid and filter(s).
imgoin4it
Explorer
Jun 27, 2013
Changing out and replacing old power steering fluid with new fluid can solve the problem many times. If it has not been changed it probably should be and just might be the solution. .
islandvagabonds
Explorer
Jun 27, 2013
I HAVE THE SAME CHASSIS UNDER MY 03 DISCOVERY. I EXPERIENCE A SOUND WHEN ON A TIGHT QUICK TURN. IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THE POWER STEERING FLUID RACING THROUGH THE STEERING GEAR JUST UNDER THE FLOOR AT THE FRONT. MY GUESS IS THAT THE FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEM TO THE STEERING GEAR IS JUST NOT ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND. AFTER 40,000 MILES OF THIS SOUND ON OCCAISION WITH NO NEGATIVE ISSUES I DECIDED TO LIVE WITH IT.
hammer21661
Explorer
Jun 27, 2013
ScottG wrote:
It kinda sounds like your holding the steering against the locks. If you steering all the way one direction until it cant turn anymore then your putting enormous strain on all the components. It's better to back of slightly.
Thank you !
ScottG
Nomad
Jun 27, 2013
It kinda sounds like your holding the steering against the locks. If you steering all the way one direction until it cant turn anymore then your putting enormous strain on all the components. It's better to back of slightly.
retiredhfd
Explorer
Jun 27, 2013
So the power steering belt is right under the floorboard? The noise is not when I hold it all the way hard it when I make a big turn. and the noise sounds like it is above the floorboard. I could be wrong - it wouldn't be the first time. I will check belt and fluid tomorrow. Thanks
brirene
Explorer
Jun 27, 2013
Yup, agree with both above, moreso the belt, but check the fluid while you're in there.
Yaj
Explorer
Jun 27, 2013
Hi Mike! About your steering, when you say hard turn are you holding the wheel against the stops? Whenever I make a tight turn, I turn the steering wheel until it stops, then I back off just a little so as to be not holding against the stop but just so the wheel is free. That keeps the steering system from working to hard and it doesn't make noise.

As far as your rivets, can you run some short sheet metal screws in, with some sealant pucky for good measure. You may have to drill the holes in the mount for larger screws to fit, but that way it would be easy to open up again in the future.
P.S. I would use stainless steel screws!
Good luck!
Jay