What to Do When There's a Squeaking Sound While Turning the Steering Wheel?
2 Answers
When turning the steering wheel, there may be buzzing or squeaking noises. Although these sounds are not as loud as other noises, they can still be concerning. Here are possible sources of steering noise: 1. Friction between plastic parts. Since the steering wheel is usually made of plastic components, colder temperatures can cause the plastic to harden, potentially leading to friction sounds. 2. Noise coming from inside the steering wheel. If the noise originates from inside the steering wheel, it is likely caused by the clock spring (airbag spiral cable). To address this, remove the steering wheel and apply some grease to the clock spring. If the noise persists, replace the clock spring as it may be damaged. Be gentle when removing the steering wheel, or disconnect the airbag fuse to prevent accidental airbag deployment. 3. Aging of the tie rod end ball joint. If the tie rod end ball joint is worn out, it can cause the steering wheel to shake and produce noise. In such cases, replace the tie rod end ball joint and perform a wheel alignment afterward. 4. Noise from the stabilizer bar. If the noise is not from the shock absorber, 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. 5. Noise from the shock absorber top mount bearing. Open the hood and listen to see if the noise is coming from the shock absorber top mount. If it is, the noise is likely from the shock absorber top mount bearing. Apply grease to the bearing; if the noise continues, replace the bearing.
I found that there are several common reasons for a squeaky steering wheel. It could be due to insufficient power steering fluid, as the pump may not work smoothly and produce abnormal noises. It might also be caused by wear and tear in the steering system components, such as issues with the steering shaft ball joint or steering gear, where lack of lubrication at contact points leads to squeaking. During regular maintenance, pay extra attention to checking these parts—applying grease might easily solve the problem. I've encountered similar situations before. After parking, I checked the power steering fluid reservoir level and topped it up if it was low, which also helps avoid more serious risks like steering failure. I recommend not ignoring such small noises—addressing them early is much more cost-effective than expensive repairs later. Safety always comes first. After driving for a long time, it’s essential to develop a habit of regular maintenance, such as a comprehensive inspection every six months, to avoid many potential issues.
