Why does the Volvo S90 steering wheel make a friction noise?

[Juliana]

Possible causes of abnormal noises when turning the steering wheel include: friction between plastic components, noise when the steering wheel is turned to the limit, aging of the steering tie rod ball joint, and noise from the stabilizer bar. Below are detailed explanations of the causes: Friction between plastic components: Since the steering wheel is usually made of plastic parts, if the temperature drops, the plastic may harden, naturally leading to friction noises. Noise coming from inside the steering wheel: If the noise originates from inside the steering wheel, the issue is most likely caused by the clock spring (spiral cable) of the airbag. Aging of the steering tie rod ball joint: If the steering tie rod ball joint is aged, it can cause the car's steering wheel to shake and produce noise. In such cases, the steering tie rod ball joint usually needs to be replaced, followed by a four-wheel alignment.

[Maria]

My Volvo S90 also had that annoying steering wheel friction squeak. The chirping sound was really irritating. After taking it apart, I found the plastic parts inside the clock spring (airbag spiral cable) had aged and would rub when turning the wheel. This component connects the steering wheel buttons and horn wiring, and is prone to issues when rotating.

I've also encountered noise from the steering column dust boot - rubber parts tend to harden in winter, but applying silicone grease fixed it. A fellow owner once mentioned unsecured steering wheel wiring harness rubbing against plastic housing when moving could also cause noise.

While not major issues, it's best to address them early. I solved my dust boot problem with lubricant, otherwise a dealership visit for clock spring replacement would be needed. It's worth checking the clock spring groove for any fracture marks too - that's a significant potential hazard.

[DeSavannah]

I've dealt with many S90s experiencing steering wheel squeaks, and the issues usually boil down to three common culprits. The most frequent is friction from the steering column dust boot—over time, the rubber deforms, but applying some white lithium grease quiets it right down. Some cars have a dry clock spring (spiral cable), producing a sandpaper-like grinding noise when turning the wheel; this requires disassembling the steering wheel to lubricate or replace the part. Others get gravel trapped in the steering column adjuster slide rails—simply cleaning it out does the trick. For DIY fixes, avoid using regular grease (it attracts dust and worsens the issue); opt for dedicated lubricant spray on moving joints instead. Persistent noises may indicate a failing steering column bearing, recognizable by a humming sound mixed with grinding. For accurate diagnosis, it's best to have a technician road-test the car at a workshop.

[SkylarRose]

My Volvo S90's steering wheel always creaks in cold winter weather, which turned out to be a design issue. The steering column has several plastic dust covers that shrink in low temperatures and rub against the metal parts of the steering column. The 4S dealership applied a layer of Teflon lubricating paste at the seams, and the noise stopped immediately. They said it's a common problem caused by the thermal expansion and contraction of rubber components. When driving normally, avoid holding the steering wheel at full lock for too long, as it can damage the steering gear. Additionally, aftermarket steering wheel modifications are prone to issues, as non-genuine parts with inaccurate dimensions may scrape against the housing. Such friction noises are usually not dangerous but very annoying, so claim replacement parts under warranty while you can. Remember to remind the technician to check the condition of the column dust covers during maintenance.

[LaCaden]

After driving the new car for half a year, I noticed a rustling sound when turning the steering wheel, which seemed to come from below the steering wheel upon closer listening. Upon inspection, I found the steering column dust cover was crumpled and made noise with every turn. After spraying some WD-40 silicone lubricant on the folds, the problem was immediately resolved. The mechanic mentioned that Volvo's dust cover material tends to be stiff and prone to deformation, recommending lubrication maintenance every two years. If the clock spring (spiral cable) fails, the noise would be much louder, resembling the ticking sound of winding a clock, necessitating replacement. Daily care should include avoiding floor mats getting stuck near the steering column, as foreign objects in that area can also be a source of noise. Addressing friction sounds is simple; don't wait until parts are worn out.

[LaMicah]

Last time I was driving the S90 on a long trip, I suddenly heard a squeaking noise from the steering wheel, which almost gave me a scare. After stopping to check, I found that the universal joint on the steering column had loosened, causing two metal parts to rub against each other when turning. This component is located below the steering wheel and is usually hard to notice. After taking it to the repair shop and having the screws tightened, the noise disappeared. The technician mentioned that the S90 has an unusually long steering column design with multiple connecting parts in the middle, making it prone to issues. Additionally, improperly fitted plastic trim covers can also produce rubbing sounds. A handy tip: After parking, try wiggling the steering wheel left and right—if there's any noticeable play, it indicates loose connecting parts that need immediate attention. Avoid disassembling the steering column yourself, as the airbag wiring inside should not be tampered with.