What Causes the Steering Wheel to Squeak When Turning?
2 Answers
Reasons for the steering wheel squeaking when turning: 1. Friction between plastic components. Steering wheels are typically made of plastic parts, and if the temperature drops, the plastic can harden, causing friction noises; 2. The noise coming from inside the steering wheel is caused by the clock spring (airbag spiral cable). Remove the steering wheel's clock spring and apply some grease to see if the noise persists. If it does, the clock spring needs to be replaced; 3. Aging of the tie rod end ball joint can cause the steering wheel to shake and produce noise. In such cases, the tie rod end ball joint usually needs to be replaced, followed by a four-wheel alignment.
The steering wheel squeaks when turning, which is no small matter in my years of driving experience! Common causes include loose friction components in the steering column, displaced wiring harnesses rubbing under the airbag, or dried-up lubricant in the steering system. If ignored, steering may become less smooth or even uncontrollable, especially during turns or high-speed driving, posing greater risks. I remember once my car had the same issue—it turned out the airbag wiring harness was rubbing against the chassis, and after the mechanic fixed it, the noise was gone. I recommend you visit a professional repair shop immediately for an inspection. Don’t risk driving, as steering abnormalities directly affect driving safety—safety always comes first. Don’t count on fixing it yourself; leave it to the experts for a reliable solution.
