I have a 2007 XL.

I didn't know how to search for this, so I'll just describe it. At low speeds (I'm sure it happens at higher speeds too, but I only feel it at low speeds), when I make turns I can feel a roughness or vibration in the steering wheel that seems to indicate some sort of, I dunno, rubbing somewhere in the steering mechanism. I think I feel it in the pedals as well. It literally feels like the steering is not happening smoothly, like there's some kind of friction.

Any ideas what I need to be looking at?

Thanks!

 

What size tires are you running? If they are wide enough, they may be rubbing your upper control arm. Maybe bearings in hubs are going out. How many miles do you have on the truck? Other mods, lift etc?

 

Have a look at the lower steering shaft. What you are describing might be coming fro this part since it has two universal-joints + extension retraction. This part has a know issue for failure (not break) but general degradation and when it occurs many different symptoms have been brought to light. Yours sound just like it might be the problem.

Try shooting the two u-joints with heavy penetrating oil/lube and if it cures the problem then you should replace the part.