Steering knuckle grease?

Hey guys looking for some help. Recently my truck makes a whining noise. It’s not from the pump but from the rack area it seams. It’s more at a low speed turns and doesn’t get louder when I hit the gas or anything like that. From what I’ve been reading people say to grease the steering knuckle. I have a prerunner 06. My question is what exactly am I greasing and where on it? Not sure of what a steering knuckle is. If anyone has pictures or can explain I would much appreciate it!

 

Here are the basics

https://repairpal.com/suspension-knuckle

 

I guess another question I have is how to know when a rack is going out? My steering feels snug no hard spots even when the noise present...

 

So the spindle needs the grease then?

 

The only thing I could think of is the intermediate steering shaft. If you crank your wheel all the way right, you can access this little flap thing (one on the right) with your tire still on.





Then grab some PB blaster and spray it on this U joint leading into the steering rack.





I don't think that's your problem though. Generally you spray that if you have hard spots in your steering.

 

Good video, but ours aren't greaseable.

 

Okay your lower picture is where I’m feeling the most vibration coming from and noise that I can isolate it down too... I’ll try that. The tie rods on the truck seems fine play wise and they are fairly new

 

Seen this but don’t have fittings on mine. Just replaced not to long ago

 

W-40 same as pb?

 

Eh, not quite. I'd use PB or liquid wrench or something of the sort but if you don't have any, then just try WD-40.

 

I’ll run down to the store and get some

 

It's good to have on hand anyways. I use it all the time when working on trucks.

 

Hopefully that fixes it.

 

Do racks whine when they are going out?

 

WD-40 is NOT A LUBRICANT. It actually removes grease and oils. It's good to clean things out and temporarily lube, but it really should be cleaned out and then add a good lubricant. I use Seafoam Deep Creep. It works exceptionally well. I sprayed my steering joint when it felt like it was binding up and it worked really well right away.

 

It worked guys!!! Used pb on it and no more noise!!! Thanks for help guys!!!!

 

Cheap and easy are the best kinds of fixes!

 

It came back

 

Racks don't whine, and neither do knuckles...P/S pumps whine and can telegraph noises making it hard to pinpoint sometimes, a technicians stethoscope or a broom handle can be used to pinpoint your "whine". (or at least get you close)

According to your post time stamps, the fix lasted less than 5 hours?

Could be anything, idler or tensioner pulley. When you turn the wheel it loads up the other accessories, A/C pump, alternator etc...you get the idea.

Could also be engine internal...checked the oil lately?