What Causes the Steering Wheel Noise in the New Santana?
3 Answers
New Santana steering wheel noise is caused by issues such as a faulty airbag clock spring, lack of oil in the shock absorber's plane bearing, loose stabilizer bar bushings, or dirty power steering fluid. The details are as follows: Faulty Airbag Clock Spring: If the noise comes from inside the steering wheel, it is mostly due to a dry airbag clock spring. Remove the steering wheel's airbag clock spring and apply some grease. Check if the noise persists. If it does, promptly replace the airbag clock spring, as it indicates damage. Lack of Oil in the Shock Absorber's Plane Bearing: When turning the steering wheel, if the noise comes from outside the vehicle, it is likely due to insufficient oil in the shock absorber's plane bearing. Open the hood and listen to see if the noise originates from the shock absorber's top mount. This will confirm if the noise is from the plane bearing. If it lacks oil, apply some grease. If the noise continues after greasing, replacement is necessary. Loose Stabilizer Bar Bushings: If the noise is not from the shock absorber's plane bearing, 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. Dirty Power Steering Fluid: If the power steering fluid is too dirty, it increases the pressure in the power steering system, causing a buzzing noise from the power steering pump. Promptly replace the power steering fluid in such cases.
The steering wheel noise issue has also occurred in my car, mainly due to loose screws on the steering column or lack of lubrication. As the car ages, steering system components are prone to wear, such as increased play in the steering gear or slack in the power steering pump belt, making the noise more noticeable during sharp turns. A stuck turn signal reset switch can also produce sounds, resembling a creaking noise. Additionally, if the shock absorber bump stops deteriorate or there are problems with the suspension system, it can indirectly affect steering and cause abnormal sounds. I recommend pulling over immediately to check, ensuring there's no major issue before driving to a professional repair shop—safety first. During regular maintenance, you can ask the mechanic to tighten screws and add lubricant to prevent these minor issues from escalating into major failures. Don't delay if you encounter unusual noises while driving—it's not just about the noise but could also indicate a risk of steering failure.
My previous car also had steering wheel noise issues. When troubleshooting, it was found to be caused by worn steering bearings or excessive internal clearance in the steering gear. If you hear grinding or sticking sounds when turning the steering wheel upon starting the vehicle, it's mostly necessary to check whether the power steering fluid level is too low and whether there are issues with the steering shaft universal joint. If the noise becomes louder on bumpy roads or during sharp turns, accompanied by a light and floating steering feel, you should be alert. I've done simple DIY tests, such as gently shaking the steering wheel to check for looseness, but without professional knowledge, it's easy to misjudge. So it's safer to get it inspected at a shop as soon as possible, don't wait until it affects driving comfort and handling.
