Why does the Verano steering wheel make a squeaking noise?
4 Answers
There are several reasons why the Verano steering wheel may produce a squeaking noise: Severe wear of the gear rack inside the steering gear: Poor alignment can cause friction and collision during steering, leading to the noise. The steering wheel contains an airbag: The connection between the airbag and the steering wheel is the clockspring. If the clockspring is faulty or improperly installed, it can cause noise. Lack of lubrication in the steering wheel's universal joint: This can produce noise when turning the steering wheel. Friction between the turn signal lever's return switch and the steering wheel: This can cause noise, and the related parts need to be disassembled for inspection.
Last time I drove my friend's Verano, I also heard a similar squeaking sound, which was quite annoying. After checking at the shop, it turned out that the steering column under the steering wheel needed lubrication because the oil had dried up over time, causing friction when turning. It could also be that the steering gear or universal joint connectors are loose, leading to metal parts scraping against each other. If these small issues aren't addressed promptly, the noise will only get worse. Additionally, insufficient oil pressure in the power steering pump during cold starts might contribute to the problem—warming up the car usually helps. I think it's best not to ignore this and take it to a professional shop as soon as possible. They can tighten a few bolts or add some lubricant to fix it, preventing future steering issues that could affect driving. Regular check-ups are essential to avoid major repairs later.
Having driven my Verano for many years, this kind of steering wheel squeaking is quite common. It's mainly due to the aging of rubber bushings or ball joints in the steering system. After tens of thousands of kilometers, these parts tend to wear out, especially if you frequently drive on rough roads—the squeaking sounds like an alarm. At first, I thought it was a minor issue and ignored it, but then the steering feel became heavier. Later, I found that the rubber bushings in the suspension had also cracked, affecting the overall handling. My advice is to stop the car, pop the hood, and try turning the steering wheel to locate the noise. If the sound comes from the chassis, it’s likely an issue with the tie rods or control arms. Safety first—get a full inspection at a repair shop. Replacing a small part costs just a few dozen bucks, so don’t let the noise turn into a safety hazard.
The squeaking sound from the Verano's steering wheel may have several key causes: First, insufficient or dirty power steering fluid can cause the power steering pump to make noise when turning. Second, lack of lubrication in the universal joint under the steering column can lead to dry friction squeaking. Third, wear in the tire steering system, such as loose ball joints, could be the culprit. These are common issues I encounter during maintenance, and often a simple lubrication or minor adjustment can eliminate the noise. If ignored, steering may become less smooth, affecting daily commutes. It's recommended to have a technician diagnose the issue early.