What Are the Causes of Rubber Friction Sound When Turning the Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
The causes of rubber friction sound when turning the steering wheel are: 1. Friction between the steering column and the floor mat; 2. Faulty clock spring (spiral cable); 3. Dirty power steering fluid; 4. Improper tension or aging of the power steering belt; 5. Lack of lubrication in the shock absorber top bearing; 6. Loose stabilizer bar bushings; 7. Damaged dust cover of the limit screw. Solutions for steering wheel friction sound: 1. Replace the steering tie rod end and perform a wheel alignment; 2. Replace the dust cover or add lubricating oil; 3. Check the operation of the steering gear; 4. Adjust the belt tension or replace the belt; 5. Replace the clock spring (spiral cable); 6. Replace the power steering fluid.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered many cases of rubber friction sounds from the steering wheel. The most common cause is the aging and hardening of the rubber dust cover on the steering column or dust accumulation—it's located at the connection point below the steering wheel and squeaks when you turn. Another possibility is a cracked rubber dust cover on the steering linkage ball joint at the chassis, which can accumulate dust, especially after driving on muddy roads in the rain. Additionally, if the clock spring (spiral cable) inside the steering wheel isn't secured properly, the rubber layer rubbing against the internal metal frame can also produce noise. Last week, I fixed a car with the same issue by applying special grease inside the dust cover, and the noise disappeared immediately. These rubber components should be checked every three to four years, and if cracked, they need to be replaced to avoid damaging the core parts of the steering system.
