Steering Column Repair: steering wheel, steering wheel, good luck

Question
When I make a turn the steering wheel feels like it slips and then a stretching sound comes from inside the column. When i park the vehicle and grab the steering wheel and push and pull on it ,it wobbles. It doesn't seem to affect the steering of the vehicle.
My van is: 1993 Ford Areostar

Answer
Hi Dan:

I have tried before to answer noise questions on the web and it is just too difficult. Your clicking is my ticking and your knocking is my thumping, etc. I would suggest going to a couple of shops and have them just drive it with you to get an idea of what you are after. If they want you to leave it for diagnosis, find another shop. The good shops will be glad to 'go for a ride' to help you before getting involved. If after you do that you wish to ask me about their opinion, I would be glad to assist you with that.

Good Luck
Doug

If that assumption is correct, the charge should only be about 1 hr.  He will not know what he will find though until he removes the airbag (stripped column, bad steering wheel itself), so be prepared for more news later.