I took it into a mechanic who told me not to worry about it until it gets too bad, which was not the answer I would have liked. But I would like to get this resolved before my Labor Day travel plans.

Grinding noisewhenturningsteering wheel at low speed

The Shaft Hog shaft alignment tool comes with all the hardware and tools you need to begin doing alignments as soon as you open the carrying case. Anodized aluminum chain brackets fit a wide range of shaft diameters. The chains can be easily extended to accommodate virtually any shaft.

Introducing the Shaft Hog, the first shaft alignment tool priced under $4,300 USD, bringing precision laser alignment to every facility with rotating equipment.

Grinding noise while turningleft

With this sound I figured it could be any number of things from power steer, to wheel bearings, to brake or caliper issues.

Car makesgrinding noisewhenturningright but not left

Studies have shown that more than 50% of all excessive machinery vibration is caused by misalignment. Excessive vibration causes energy loss, bearing failures, and unexpected repairs. Precision alignment is proven to deliver significant savings in electricity, machine repair and downtime.

The Shaft Hog alignment tool displays live values right on-screen that show the user exactly where the machine to be aligned is sitting relative to perfect alignment. The user isn't required to perform complicated calculations. Instead, you spend your time performing precision alignment, not remembering equations or complicated routines.

Shaft Hog uses dual laser transmitter/detector units that display measurement results with a resolution of 0.0001 inches! The extreme accuracy of laser alignment achieved with Shaft Hog leads to direct cost savings.

Scrapingnoisewhenturningat low speed

The user-friendly display unit is operated by just four buttons (plus the on/off button). Figures, numbers and logical symbols on the easy to read LCD screen guide the user towards a perfect alignment. There are no complicated menus to learn, minimizing training requirements.

Scrapingnoisewhenturningright at low speed

Limited slip differentials can do that as the diff clutches begin to wear out. Or just from lack of use. Good idea to at least check the fluid level in the rear differential.

The system is based on traditional dial indicator methods. The Shaft Hog, however, applies advanced laser technology to eliminate:

As the infrared images reveal, the difference in the operating temperature of precisely aligned equipment (top photo) and unaligned equipment (bottom photo) is readily apparent.

Grinding noise whiledriving but not brakes applied

Grinding noise while turningright

You might also pop the hood, have a friend turn the wheel, and see if you can tell where it’s originating from. It could be the power steering pump. The pump is only under any significant load when turning, and more load at full turn.

Over the past couple months I have been hearing a low rubbing/grinding noise in my truck whenever I am turning at very low speeds. Usually it is when I am going through parking lots or turning through drive ways. I can also feel it slightly in the steering column.

Ho Wow old is your Sonoma, what engine and transmission, and how many miles are on it? This information is important to determine if there are any defects peculiar to the Sonoma configured as yours is. Age and miles will also indicate whether the power steering or suspension should be considered.

The Shaft Hog shaft alignment tool has been designed to let you concentrate your skill and effort on performing precision alignments, not on figuring out how to use the instrument.

If it isn’t the steering, you should hear it when you are stopped. Start the truck and turn the steering wheel lock to lock several times and see if you hear the sound. If not, look somewhere else. Are the wheels and tires OEM? I’m just trying to cover other possibilities. Larger shoes could rub on the fenders when you turn. You don’t turn the wheels nearly as far at higher speeds.

Rang my bell when I saw that, too! @the_same_mountainbik identified the right track. Start with the power steering pump itself, then the drive belt that turns the pump. Then the idler pulleys for the serpentine belt that drives most everything. Then the rest of the accessories. Noises can be tricky.