What Causes the Rustling Noise in the Festa Steering Wheel?
4 Answers
1. Below are the reasons for the rustling noise in the Festa steering wheel: 1. Sound from the turn signal rebound clip: The noise occurs when turning the steering wheel clockwise, with three sounds per full rotation, and disappears when the turn signal is turned off. 2. Noise from the steering column dust cover: Lack of lubrication in the steering column dust cover causes dry friction sounds, which can be eliminated by applying lubricant inside the dust cover. 2. Below is an introduction to the steering wheel: 1. Steering wheel overview: The steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, airplanes, etc. 2. Steering wheel function: The steering wheel converts the force applied by the driver to the edge of the wheel into torque, which is then transmitted to the steering shaft.
I've been driving the Fiesta for several years and have encountered that rustling sound from the steering wheel multiple times. It sounds like sand rubbing inside, which is particularly annoying. At first, I thought it was a minor issue, but later realized it might be due to insufficient lubrication or wear in the steering column bearings, causing metal friction when turning. It could also be caused by aging or loosening of the airbag recoil spring, or dried-out connecting plastic parts, especially noticeable during turns or reversing. Once, after parking, I shook the steering wheel to test it, and the sound became clearer, indicating that it needed immediate attention to avoid compromising driving safety. During regular maintenance, adding some lubricant to the steering system or having a mechanic inspect for any debris or dust inside can help. In short, don't ignore these sounds—prompt repairs can save you a lot of money.
A steering wheel rustling sound is something I've experienced in several cars, and in the Fista, this type of noise usually points to internal component issues. For example, insufficient lubrication in the steering bearing can cause a squeaking sound, or the airbag clock spring rubbing against the plastic housing. A simple check method is to turn the steering wheel at low speed and listen for the location of the abnormal sound. If it only occurs at specific angles, it might indicate that individual parts need adjustment or replacement. I recommend first checking if the steering wheel base bolts are loose, as vibration can amplify the sound. Additionally, after parking, open the engine compartment and manually move the related components to test. Sometimes, minor issues can be DIY-lubricated, saving time and cost. During regular maintenance, ensure all interfaces are clean to avoid dust buildup causing more friction.
My Fista started making a rustling sound from the steering wheel last year, which gets particularly loud when turning, quite alarming. I searched online and found it might be an issue with the steering column or internal springs. Not knowing much about cars, I went straight to the repair shop. The mechanic said the airbag clock spring needed replacing, and the cost wasn't high. He advised driving with less force when turning the steering wheel to prolong the part's lifespan. If I'm too lazy to get it fixed, I could first check for obvious looseness at the steering wheel seams, but this is only a temporary solution. It's best to record the frequency of the noise to help the mechanic diagnose the issue.
