Subtle Click/Clunk Steering Off Center

All,
I have noticed a new little issue with my 2016 Trail.

When I turn the steering wheel just off center I can feel a very subtle click or clunk, honestly it is most noticeable through the throttle pedal where you can physically feel the click. Happens both turning left and right, and is only when you are about 10 degrees off center.

Any thoughts?

 

mmmm Smells like needle bearing

 

If you can feel it in the gas pedal, it is probably close to the floor and therefore not the clockspring. Probably one of the U-joints in the steering column on the way out. There's one close to the floor in the cab and another one in the engine bay (visible after unclipping the rubber fender well splash guard). Examine them both.

The U-joints are not replaceable on their own. If you find the U-joint to be bad, you'd have to replace either the upper or lower intermediate shaft the U-joint is built into. Each shaft retails for $220-300 at the dealer depending on whether you buy it online or at the counter.

 

I would start by putting the front end on jack stands, have someone turn the wheel back and forth, and try to track down the noise. A vibration can travel through multiple components so the fact that you feel it in the gas pedal isn’t a clear indication of the location of problem.

Regarding the what 3JOH22A mentioned, the steering intermediate shaft does have a u-joint that is not serviceable. I recently replaced mine with 240k miles along with the steering rack and the joint was tight and now okay, but we don’t deal with corrosion here in AZ if it where this component, a sign would be stiff/jerky steering, especially in corners.