What are the causes of steering wheel noise?
2 Answers
The causes of steering wheel noise can be attributed to the following 3 points: 1. Friction between plastic components of the vehicle: The steering wheel is composed of various plastic parts, and if the gaps are too small, abnormal noise may occur; 2. Sound interference from the airbag spring: If the noise originates from inside the steering wheel, remove the steering wheel and apply some grease to the airbag clock spring. If the noise persists, the airbag clock spring needs to be replaced; 3. Noise from the shock absorber plane bearing: Open the hood and listen to determine if the noise is coming from the top mount of the shock absorber. If it is the plane bearing of the shock absorber making noise, apply some grease to the plane bearing. If the noise continues after greasing, the plane bearing needs to be replaced.
When there's abnormal noise while turning the steering wheel, I think the most likely cause is aging and wear of the clock spring (airbag spiral cable) beneath the steering wheel. This component connects the steering wheel to the airbag, and frequent rotation can cause squeaking sounds. If not replaced promptly, the steering system may become stiff, affecting driving safety. I've encountered this issue before with my old car – rainwater could easily seep in and cause rust, exacerbating the noise. It's advisable to regularly inspect and lubricate the components rather than waiting until the problem worsens, which would lead to higher repair costs. Another common cause is loose plastic covers on the steering column, especially in older vehicles where temperature changes can cause deformation and friction. You can try tightening the screws yourself, but be careful not to injure your fingers. Overall, safety comes first – if you hear unusual noises, take your car to a repair shop early. Never neglect it.
