Creaking noise behind steering wheel

DavieGravy · #1 12-13-2002, 12:42 AM

It happens when I turn my wheel, but not for the entire rotation.

I had a similar problem on an older car of mine, but it gave me a grating sound. The design on this car consisted of metal flaps (attached to the wheel) that rub along a metal circular contact. (underneeath where the wheel bolts onto)

This supplied a conection for the power steering buttons on the wheel. I relubricated them and the sound went away.

Although I don't know about the SVX. Is it easy to take the steering wheel off and what might be causing the problem? Specifically, it sounds like a door squeeking.

Thanks in advance.

LarryIII · #2 12-13-2002, 04:40 AM

Do NOT take the steering wheel off. You may deploy the airbag.

#3 12-13-2002, 07:12 AM

Larry, I have removed my steering wheel a number of times with no issue. Just make sure you disconnect your battery and I usually pull the Airbag fuse for good measure.

Mike

want-a-fast-svx · #4 12-13-2002, 07:31 AM

as to what this is as well...Its only happening on mine when you turn the wheel either way at around the 1/2 way mark...any help is greatly appreciated

DavieGravy · #5 12-13-2002, 12:47 PM

When i said power steering buttons on the wheel, I meant cruise control buttons.
It only happens about half way on mine too.

#6 12-13-2002, 01:55 PM

Maybe the clockspring causing the noise?? I have a spare if you need one

Mike

sfsvx · #7 12-13-2002, 02:06 PM

The creaking noise behind MY steering wheel comes from me.

DavieGravy · #8 12-13-2002, 03:49 PM

Thanks Mike. I think I'll try and take the wheel off this weekend to see what it is, making sure I disconnect the battery and the fuse. Is the wheel easy to take off?

#9 12-14-2002, 12:00 PM

Yes, it is.

There are two plastic panels, one on each side of the steering wheel. They snap off. Snap those off, and they will uncover 2 T30 Safety Screws. Remove those. This will loosen the airbag. You can now remove the airbag. Unplug the airbag and set it aside. There will be a large nut (17mm?) holding the steering wheel on. Loosen the nut almost all the way, leaving it still threaded onto the stud by a few threads. Then pull out on the steering wheel as hard as you can. It will take a lot of force, but then the steering wheel will break free. Having the nut threaded on will prevent the steering wheel from flying up in your face.

Take special care not to change the position of the clock spring, or if you do, make a note of where it was when you took the wheel off.

Mike

DavieGravy · #10 12-20-2002, 10:23 PM

Mike. Thanks for taking the time to tell me how to do this. I will get to it shortly and post what I find. I've been busy lately. I Just didn't want you to think your helpful advice will be wasted.