What Causes the Abnormal Noise in the Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
Abnormal noise in the steering wheel, usually coming from inside the car, may be caused by the following reasons and solutions: 1. Friction between the horn wire transmission spring steel piece and the steering wheel. Solution: Apply some lubricating oil to the friction area between the spring steel piece and the steering wheel. 2. Faulty airbag clock spring. Solution: Remove the steering wheel and apply some butter to the airbag clock spring or replace it. 3. Lack of oil in the shock absorber plane bearing. Solution: Apply some butter. 4. Loose stabilizer bar rubber. Solution: Add shims or replace it. 5. Dirty power steering fluid. Solution: Replace the power steering fluid in time.
When there is noise in my steering wheel, it is usually caused by several common issues. The most common is loose internal screws, like the last time I went on a long drive and heard a clicking sound when turning the wheel—it turned out to be a loose fixing screw. Another common issue is bearing wear and aging; frequent turns in the city can fatigue the bearings, causing a squeaking sound. It could also be a problem with the steering column linkage, such as excessive clearance in the coupling, leading to friction noise. Don’t underestimate these small noises—they might come with stiff steering or delayed response, increasing the risk of accidents. I recommend stopping to check the screws and connection points as soon as you notice the issue. If you can’t fix it yourself, take the car to a professional repair shop immediately for part replacement or reinforcement. Avoid aggressive steering in daily driving to reduce wear. During regular maintenance, have the technician inspect the entire steering system to prevent similar issues—it’ll save you a lot of trouble.
