What Causes the Clicking Noise When Turning the Steering Wheel in the Buick Excelle?
3 Answers
The causes of the clicking noise when turning the steering wheel in the Buick Excelle may include: the sound from the turn signal returning to position, noise from the steering column dust cover, noise originating from the steering wheel, noise from the shock absorber's plane bearing, or noise from the stabilizer bar. The specific details are as follows: 1. Sound from the turn signal returning to position: If the turn signal is activated while turning, the noise might be from the rebound clip of the turn signal's auto-return mechanism. The driver should confirm this. If it is the case, this is a normal occurrence. Sometimes, more than one click is heard because the steering column has three auto-return positions per full rotation. Turning the steering wheel one full rotation will produce three clicks. 2. Noise from the steering column dust cover: If the noise comes from below the steering wheel, it might be from the steering column dust cover. Lack of lubrication in the dust cover can cause friction noise. Applying some grease inside the dust cover will eliminate the noise. 3. Noise originating from the steering wheel: If the noise comes from inside the steering wheel, it is likely due to the clock spring (spiral cable) of the airbag. Removing the steering wheel and applying grease to the clock spring may resolve the issue. If the noise persists, the clock spring should be replaced as it may be damaged. Be gentle when removing the steering wheel or disconnect the airbag fuse to prevent accidental deployment. 4. Noise from the shock absorber's plane bearing: If the noise comes from outside the car, it might be due to insufficient lubrication in the shock absorber's plane bearing. Open the hood and listen to see if the noise comes from the top of the shock absorber. If confirmed, apply grease to the plane bearing. If the noise continues, replacement is necessary. 5. Noise from the stabilizer bar: If the noise is not from the shock absorber, check if the stabilizer bar bushings are loose or damaged. Loose or damaged stabilizer bar bushings can cause noise not only when turning the steering wheel but also when driving on uneven roads. Loose bushings can be fixed by adding shims, but damaged ones must be replaced.
I've been driving for over 20 years, and it's quite common to encounter the issue of a creaking sound when turning the steering wheel in a Buick Excelle. This is usually caused by loose or worn components during steering, such as aging steering column bushings or gaps in the suspension system's ball joints. When the car is new and in good condition, these problems aren't noticeable, but over time, the chassis parts are prone to rust or lack of lubrication. Once you hear unusual noises, don't ignore them, as they can affect steering precision and become more dangerous at high speeds. I've experienced this myself and promptly drove to a repair shop to check the tie rods and stabilizer bar connections, only to find that the lower arm bushing had cracked. Spending a little money to replace a small part can solve the problem and prevent bigger issues. Remember to perform regular maintenance and pay attention to the wear and tear of chassis components to prevent many troubles in advance.
There's a clicking sound when turning, and I suspect there might be an issue with the Buick Excelle's steering system. The most likely cause is loose components in the chassis suspension, such as worn or insufficiently lubricated stabilizer bar end links or steering ball joints. This kind of abnormal noise is not a minor problem—it can lead to heavier steering feel or unstable handling, especially noticeable during turns or on bumpy roads. When dealing with similar issues in the past, I would first perform a simple check: after parking, inspect the tire and steering system connection points for any signs of looseness, then shake the steering wheel to test the feel. If the noise persists, it's best to visit a professional shop. They can quickly pinpoint the root cause using specialized tools. Replacing a small part isn't expensive, but don't delay, as it could compromise driving safety and lead to bigger expenses later.
