What Causes the Steering Wheel to Squeak?
2 Answers
The reasons for the steering wheel squeaking when turning are: 1. Friction between plastic components; 2. The clock spring inside the steering wheel; 3. Improper tension or aging of the power steering belt; 4. Aging of the steering tie rod ball joint. The steering wheel is a wheel-shaped device used to control the direction of cars, ships, airplanes, etc. Its function is to convert the force applied by the driver to the edge of the steering wheel into torque and then transmit it to the steering shaft. A car's wheel is an integral unit composed of a tire and a rim. However, due to manufacturing reasons, the mass distribution of various parts of this unit cannot be perfectly uniform. When the car wheel rotates at high speed, it forms a dynamic imbalance, causing the wheel to shake and the steering wheel to vibrate while driving. Therefore, dynamic balance checks should be performed regularly.
When I drive, the steering wheel squeaks. This is usually a minor issue with the steering system, such as lack of lubrication in the steering column under the wheel or wear in the small gears inside, causing friction noise. When the weather gets cold, metal parts contract, making the noise more noticeable. Once, my car had this issue, and I tried adding some lubricant to the steering column joint, which solved the problem. However, if the noise persists, it might be due to a loose or aged power steering pump belt, which needs inspection. Long-term neglect can make steering heavier and affect handling safety. It's recommended to pay attention to the steering system during regular maintenance, applying lubricant periodically to avoid costly repairs. If you hear noises, don’t panic—find a flat spot to check or drive directly to a repair shop for a professional look, which won’t cost much.
