Clunking noise?

Tiny
DESTANIENOWELL
  • MEMBER
  • 2018 FORD ESCAPE
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 101,000 MILES
When my vehicle is parked and just in accessory mode, I shake my steering wheel, and it makes a clunking noise. I asked the car lot about it and the mechanic said it’s normal. But I’m pretty sure it’s not normal. The video is just sound as it was dark out when I took the video.
Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 3:25 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
  • 765 POSTS
Hello, there is no video attached. Nevertheless, does the clunking only happen in accessory mode, or can you hear it with the engine running as well? On models with electric or electronically assisted steering the column and rack can make clunking sounds when unpowered. Please let us know.

William
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Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
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I’ll have to check that, and I will let you know ASAP.
Video (Click to make bigger)
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Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 7:15 PM
Tiny
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The video finally uploaded, sorry.
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Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 7:15 PM
Tiny
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And I know it also kind of does it when going over bumps but maybe not as loud.
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Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 7:17 PM
Tiny
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I can hear it clunking on the right side when the car is running, and I shake the steering wheel.
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Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
  • MECHANIC
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I did get to listen to your video. That does sound a bit loud to be considered normal. If you can pinpoint the sound to the right side, it may be a suspension or steering component. It can be hard to tell from just a noise. If it is more in the center, it could be in the rack or steering shaft joints. If you jack up the vehicle you can wiggle the tire with your hands at 12 and 6 o'clock and then at 8 and 5 o'clock and see if the noise can be heard, then.

Let us know what you find.

William
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Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
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Thank you so much, I’m going to take it back to where I bought it and see what they say. I just don’t want a wheel to shoot off of it, lol. Thank you
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Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 7:32 PM
Tiny
CANNON1349
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I agree. It definitely does not sound normal. Please let us know what it turns out to be. Thanks for using 2CarPros!

William
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Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 7:36 PM
Tiny
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I will definitely let you know. Thank you so much.
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Monday, March 31st, 2025 AT 7:36 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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CANNON1349 is one of our best! Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 9:04 AM
Tiny
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Took it back to the shop and they said it’s our under rack or something and that it’s normal so didn’t really get me anywhere. With what the actual issue is. They said everything is tight and nothing looks worn.
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 10:38 AM
Tiny
CANNON1349
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It definitely sounded like it could be a rack & pinion noise. If everything is tight, I would say it will not be a safety issue, but I would agree with you on that it sounds a bit louder than what would be considered normal. The rack very well may have an internal issue however they do make noise when under powered. I would keep an eye on it but not lose sleep over it. These racks are not cheap since they are electric power steering, a new one from the dealer will start around $1,300 for just the part. When this part fails you will get a "sticky" steering wheel.

Hope this helps,
William
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 10:54 AM
Tiny
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Okay thank you very much and I will definitely be keeping an eye on it.
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 10:56 AM
Tiny
CANNON1349
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Sounds good. Thanks for reporting back! Feel free to use the site anytime.

William
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 10:57 AM
Tiny
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As long as I know my tire isn’t going to come off. I have two children, and that noise was/is driving me crazy.
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 10:59 AM
Tiny
CANNON1349
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If it helps at all, the steering rack is bolted to the subframe of the vehicle, and the tie rods connected to the rack are bolted to the knuckle, which is where your brakes & tire are held on. So, in this aspect I think you will be just fine.

William
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Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 AT 11:05 AM

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