1992 Corolla steering noise

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observer - 29 Nov 2007 02:03 GMT

Lately I notice the steering wheel makes noise when making turns. It
seems like it's within the car not in the engine area and I don't feel
any difference holding the steering wheel in turns. It sounds more
like plastic rubbing something (superficial sounds). I'm hesitant to
just squirt oil in the plastic openings. At this point I don't think
it's serious but is there anything I can / should do?

thanks.

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johngdole@hotmail.com - 29 Nov 2007 04:22 GMT

Usually the lube in the wheel dries up where electrical contacts where
the rotating and stationary parts meet. Mostly you hear squeals and
squeaks from under wheel. There may be different designs but in
general clean it and lube it helps.

If outside, check the belt tension first.

> Lately I notice the steering wheel makes noise when making turns. It
> seems like it's within the car not in the engine area and I don't feel
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> thanks.

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observer - 29 Nov 2007 12:24 GMT

>Usually the lube in the wheel dries up where electrical contacts where
>the rotating and stationary parts meet. Mostly you hear squeals and
>squeaks from under wheel. There may be different designs but in
>general clean it and lube it helps.

Yes, I think this describes it. Thanks.
See my post about 2 minutes ago.

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Ray O - 29 Nov 2007 05:20 GMT

> Lately I notice the steering wheel makes noise when making turns. It
> seems like it's within the car not in the engine area and I don't feel
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> thanks.

If the noise is coming from the opening between the back of the steering
wheel and the steering column, give it a small shot of aerosol lithium
grease or dielectric grease.

If the noise is a squealing sound from under the hood, check the power
steering pump drive belt as johngdole suggested.

If the noise is a knocking noise that you can feel in the steering column,
check the steering column u-joint, steering rack, rack ends, and ball
joints.

Signature

Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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observer - 29 Nov 2007 12:22 GMT

>> Lately I notice the steering wheel makes noise when making turns. It
>> seems like it's within the car not in the engine area and I don't feel
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>wheel and the steering column, give it a small shot of aerosol lithium
>grease or dielectric grease.

Based on what I hear, I'd say this above is the problem and possible
cure. I presume I just squirt this into the space between the
steering wheel and the steering column ? Is this safe to do
considering the electrical stuff within it ?

thanks.

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Bruce L. Bergman - 29 Nov 2007 16:24 GMT

>><observer> wrote...

>>> Lately I notice the steering wheel makes noise when making turns. It
>>> seems like it's within the car not in the engine area and I don't feel
[quoted text clipped - 11 lines]
>steering wheel and the steering column ? Is this safe to do
>considering the electrical stuff within it ?

Pop the cover off the steering column, the Phillips head screws are
on the bottom half of the cover, inside 4 or 6 deep little holes.
Bottom half of the column cover usually goes straight down and comes
clear, top one has to be wiggled around to clear the ignition lock and
the hazard flasher switch, and then slide the tail end out from under
the dashboard.

Get an inspection mirror (because your neck doesn't bend that way
unless you are half giraffe...) and you can see exactly where the horn
ring and horn brush are, and see how to clean the ring off with a
"technical wiper" (fancy foam version of a Q-Tip) and a bit of rubbing
alcohol while turning the wheel to get all the way around. Followed
by a dab (or short spray from a can) of white lithium grease, or
silicone grease if you have it.

When the horn brush wears too short, cleaning won't help. $5 item
at the dealer, and it's right there. Needle-nose pliers and a bit of
patience getting the itty-bitty C-Clip off and on.

It shouldn't hurt anything, but you still don't want to just spray
the lube into a blind spot at random. Wastes the lube, makes a mess.

--<< Bruce >>--

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