It's got all of that...

That was what I was meaning by it having a "hitch" in it. You can feel it has a slight bind when changing direction of rotation. It seems more noticeable when making lane changes, and other subtle moves.

 

Possible source

• Binding lower Steering column shaft U-joint
• Loose, worn, binding steering linkage or tie rod end
• Check steering gear for damage
• Suspension components
• Wheel alignment
• Binding Steering Column Bearing

Raise the front wheels off the ground. Check for binding or excessive play while trying to steer the wheel.

 

This is 100% in the steering column. I am 99% sure it's going to be one of these top two bearings. Listen to the video in post 1. The noise is in the cab.

 

I also have that problem in our E150. If it is still binding after replacing the bearing don't install the clockspring until the problem is fixed. I'm not sure if it caused my new clock spring to fail after several days or if it's just faulty.

 

This morning the steering wheel was dead silent on the way to work. I'm thinking that the Kroil made its way down there. Don't know how long it will last, but it was sure nice to not hear that POS this morning.

Kroil is the best damn penetrating oil I've ever used. Kroil's motto is 100% true. "Kroil: The oil that creeps"