Squeaking steering column? Here's my $3 solution
 

I'm just writing this up b/c when your date complains about how bad your steering squeaks every time you put in/take out your key, it's bad. I couldn't find a DIY so I did it myself and thought i'd contribute since our cars are getting 10 years old.

Please fix your car at your own risk!

1. go get some general purpose grease from Autozone or wherever. I got a big can for $3 and it says it's used by many Japanese cars...so I figured, :woot:

2. take off the 3 bolts thats holding the steering column cover. If you don't know where it's located or how to, just looking around the steering column. two are behind the steering wheel and you will have to turn it to get to it. Lightly take apart the bottom and top cover.

3. start greasing!!
and I recommend some plastic gloves also (like those 100pack for 5bucks one).

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_1748.jpg
the red circle is one of the culprits

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_1749.jpg
close up. grease around it.

Now, get underneath your steering column...and you should see this.
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_1747.jpg
see that small metal part in the middle of the pic?
here's the close up of that middle metal part. grease where it's circled red.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_1743.jpg
http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_1745.jpg

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...s/IMG_1746.jpg
real close up

Now, you're gonna have to "pack" the grease and tilt up/down as you grease to get the grease around that shaft. Do so until the sound goes away.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...h_MVI_1751.jpg
the finished product, tada :woohoo:

Nice this should go into the diy thread:thumbup:

How do you make that video play?

nice! I took my car to the dealership a week ago and complaint about my steering wheel making a weird noise (about two times in 3 months), so I left it there (still under warranty) and two days later they tell me that the steering colum should be coming in the next day. I was like, damn!!! They replace the whole steering colum just because that minor sound. Oh well, I'm just glad I didn't have to pay for it. LOL

nice when you still have your factory warranty left.

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u...h_MVI_1751.jpg
the finished product, tada :woohoo:[/QUOTE]


In the video(above) is that what it is supposed to sound like with NO squeak?????please let me know

thanks:D

click the image? i think...

must be nice to have the warranty left...the whole steering column assy:eek2:?

yeah, its supposed to sound w/o squeak but it was right after I put everything back together so its still kinda squeaky...it sounds brand new now with minimal motor noise.

Great write up with pictures.


Mine squeeked twice over the past month, if it continues I'll know what to do.

Excellent way of prolonging the electric motor life with a easy lube!!

Mine only squeaks when its hot outside and its hot inside the car.. other than that, it never does.

I went to the automotive store today and looked for grease, great, they've got so many different greases... which one did you use?

just dont wait too long till it squeeks everytime like i did :p

weird...mine was the opposite. usually did better when it was warmer and horrible in the cold.

It's just "general purpose grease". there were a lot but grease is grease...right?

I used the white lithium grease, got the job done :D Mine used to squeak like crazy on hot days too... not anymore! :thumbup:

I just sat in my buddy's 02 GS430 and his steering wheel tilt motor is quiet.

So I did that DIY, and greased all the pivot points but I'm still not satisfied. Mine sounds like coco-buns motor, its not loud, but I'm sure there is a way to get it a little more quiet. Is there like an updated motor out for the steering column ?

BTW: I drive a 98 GS300.

Cocobun what kinda stereo is that?

thanks for that DIY it will come in handy i am sure!