Steering Column Vibration w/Kooks

D

DONP1217

Senior Member
I have a vibration that sounds like it is coming for my steering column since I had the Kook's headers installed. The vibration only happens between 2500 and 3000 rpm while the car is in motion. If the car is in neutal or park and I rev it up there is no vibration.

My dealer claims it is an exhaust leak but I see no evidence of one. If it was an exhaust leak I would think that I would have the vibration all of the time and it would get worse as the RPMs climbed. It would not exist solely between 2500 and 300 RPM.

It doesn't look like the headers are rubbing up against anything. However they do come fairly close to the steering rod.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? My car is a 2004 if it makes a differences. Thanks for your help.
 
There was a posting of installation instructions that mentioned that the bolt in the steering linkage needed to be modified for clearance. I'll try to find it and post a link.
 
Thanks for posting the link. I am going to get a second opinion on the exhaust leak. I highly doubt it is an exhaust leak but I am going to make sure. My driver's side header is probably just too close to the steering rod and it causes vibration in my steering column. Something could also be loose in the steering column.
 
Just thinking, what kind of gaskets did you use? TAF had leaks with his DR headers with aftermarket gaskets but when the OEM ones were re-installed his leaks went away.
 
FordNut said:
Just thinking, what kind of gaskets did you use? TAF had leaks with his DR headers with aftermarket gaskets but when the OEM ones were re-installed his leaks went away.
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Lesson learned....Don't E-V-E-R, EVER buy "special, heavy duty, you gotta have 'em, man these are the best, blah, blah, blah" gaskets.........from Marty:mad2: :fire: :bounce: :nono: :down: :argue: :mad:
 
I had someone install the headers for me because I don't have a place to do that kind of work. Unless the Kook's kit came with gaskets the stock gaskets were used.

I would think that if it were an exhaust leak I'd hear the noise all of the time. The noise is not always there.

FordNut said:
Just thinking, what kind of gaskets did you use? TAF had leaks with his DR headers with aftermarket gaskets but when the OEM ones were re-installed his leaks went away.
Click to expand...
 
TAF said:
Lesson learned....Don't E-V-E-R, EVER buy "special, heavy duty, you gotta have 'em, man these are the best, blah, blah, blah" gaskets.........from Marty:mad2: :fire: :bounce: :nono: :down: :argue: :mad:
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Cry baby......
 
DONP1217 said:
I had someone install the headers for me because I don't have a place to do that kind of work. Unless the Kook's kit came with gaskets the stock gaskets were used.

I would think that if it were an exhaust leak I'd hear the noise all of the time. The noise is not always there.
Click to expand...

Mine came with gaskets but we're not using them. It's in the shop right now and they are going to re-use the OEM ones. This is because of TAF's problems.

Not sure about all the time noise. Maybe it would be worse under load. I had a manifold leak in my truck and it sounded ok unless it was under load.
 
DONP1217 said:
I have a vibration that sounds like it is coming for my steering column since I had the Kook's headers installed. The vibration only happens between 2500 and 3000 rpm while the car is in motion. If the car is in neutal or park and I rev it up there is no vibration.


Remember the engine moves silghtly in normal operation so if the pipe is close it could be the problem. Kooks headers hit my steering shaft at the slipjoint/universal. I had to relieve the pipe slightly with an air hammer. Now all is ok. Good luck, John
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Look at the back header tube on the driver side right where the steering shaft passes it.If you have scrapes/scratches then the normal movement of the engine and shaft and body are causing your problem.

I cut 4 threads off the cross shaft bolt,then had to grind the bolthead down to about 3/16 in thick and grind part of the shaft itself to get mine to only rub when turning left while slowing(such as turning into a driveway).


The scratchs tell the story,first.
To figure out where the shaft was hitting I painted the shaft just under the top u-joint drove around a few days then pulled the shaft and started grinding,more paint,more driving etc...


Before the bolt was cut the steering would LOCK!I only had about 1/2 turn each way.
 
Mine are installed, but the cats are not installed yet so it's still in the shop. Anyway, Scott, the super master killer greatest MM mechanic of all time (how's that for a plug) called me about an interference problem with the steering linkage. The offset link up next to the rack would actually contact the header tube, but only if the steering wheel was turned to a certain position. The cure was to loosen the motor mount bolts in the crossmember (the holes are slotted) and shift the engine over to the pasenger side as far as the bolt holes would allow. Looks good now. Full write-up of new observations and usefulness of other folks' install tips will come after the job is finished, probably Tuesday or so.
 
FordNut said:
Mine are installed, but the cats are not installed yet so it's still in the shop. Anyway, Scott, the super master killer greatest MM mechanic of all time (how's that for a plug)
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You got THAT right, Brian!!! BTW...we are awaiting your Dyno #s to "de-throne" me in the N/A category. (Jeff says you're a "sure-bet"!!!)
 
FordNut said:
Mine are installed, but the cats are not installed yet so it's still in the shop. Anyway, Scott, the super master killer greatest MM mechanic of all time (how's that for a plug) called me about an interference problem with the steering linkage. The offset link up next to the rack would actually contact the header tube, but only if the steering wheel was turned to a certain position. The cure was to loosen the motor mount bolts in the crossmember (the holes are slotted) and shift the engine over to the pasenger side as far as the bolt holes would allow. Looks good now. Full write-up of new observations and usefulness of other folks' install tips will come after the job is finished, probably Tuesday or so.
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Let me know Brian because as soon as I get the car back from DR I am going to install my Kook's sys. I couldn't get it ceramic coated in time to take it to DR so I will do it myself.

Barry
 
greyghost said:
Let me know Brian because as soon as I get the car back from DR I am going to install my Kook's sys. I couldn't get it ceramic coated in time to take it to DR so I will do it myself.

Barry
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Barry, so far Scott tells me two guys, car on the rack, plenty of tools, 5 hours. Since my system is "custom" instead of bolt-in it has to go to Buster's now for mandrel-bent 2.5" stainless pipe to install the cats.

edit: Since this is his first time with the Kook's it will probably take him less time for future installs.
 
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Dave Compson said:
So ... did the problem get fixed last night? How was the ride home?
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Dave,

I'll answer since FordNut is offline...his car is here in Atlanta. The headers are being put on by the boys over at Team Ford. He hasn't driven it yet, and it needs to go to the "Exhaust Guru" Buster for some mandrel pipe install.
 
Thanks Todd. I stopped and looked at it on the way thru town and it looks like the clearance issue is resolved. Monday it goes to Buster's, then back for post-install dyno tests. I'll pick it up Monday or Tuesday. Can hardly wait. This weekend has been miserable without it. I miss it.
 
You got the rain right. I drove to church this morning and felt I would have been better off in a boat. Its suppose to rain until tomorrow and heavy at times. I really wish it was snow! Flame suit on!

Barr
 
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