What Causes the Steering Noise in a Passat?
2 Answers
Reasons for steering noise in a Passat: friction sounds, tire scrubbing noise, excessive wear of the half-shaft CV joint. Steering noise when parked: This is likely the sound of the horn wire transmission spring steel plate rubbing against the steering wheel. The noise usually comes from inside the car and is a rustling metal friction sound. The solution is to apply some lubricant at the contact point between the spring steel plate and the steering wheel. Steering noise while driving: The noise usually comes from the front suspension outside the vehicle. If it's a sharp sound, it may be due to excessive or insufficient front wheel toe-in, causing tire scrubbing noise when the front wheels don't turn parallel during steering. If it's a dull sound, it's likely caused by excessive wear of the vehicle's half-shaft CV joint.
When turning the steering wheel of my Passat, there's an abnormal noise, and I suspect it's an issue with the steering system. The most common cause is a loose or worn universal joint in the steering column, which creaks when turning. Another possibility is an aging or leaking power steering pump, producing a sharp squealing sound. If the ball joint in the suspension system is loose, it can make a clicking noise when cornering. Abnormal tire pressure or damaged wheel hub bearings might also be the culprits. If this happens with a new car, it could be due to improper assembly; for older cars, it's likely due to component aging. Safety is not something to take lightly—steering noise can affect handling response, and losing control during high-speed cornering is extremely dangerous. It's recommended to visit a professional repair shop immediately for inspection, bringing along a technician for a test drive to pinpoint the noise source. Don't skimp on preventive maintenance—regularly lubricating steering components can extend their lifespan.
