Steering Wheel "Squeak"?

[Toy3zve]

Hey guys & gals.

I recently bought a 2010 EL King Ranch and noticed that when turning the steering wheel it emits a faint "squeaking" or rubbing sound. It sounds like it's dying for a good shot of silicone lube, but where, exactly, should the lube go? Just spray it in the gap between the steering wheel and the steering column, or should I remove the wheel to get the lube in where it'll count?

It's not exactly a dry-bearing sound...sorta sounds like maybe plastic to plastic rubbing.

Anyone else experience this?

Thanks!

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Hey guys & gals.

I recently bought a 2010 EL King Ranch and noticed that when turning the steering wheel it emits a faint "squeaking" or rubbing sound. It sounds like it's dying for a good shot of silicone lube, but where, exactly, should the lube go? Just spray it in the gap between the steering wheel and the steering column, or should I remove the wheel to get the lube in where it'll count?

It's not exactly a dry-bearing sound...sorta sounds like maybe plastic to plastic rubbing.

Anyone else experience this?

Thanks!View attachment 86795View attachment 86796

The squeak is often caused by the intermediate steering shaft where it passes through a rubber gasket (grommet) in the firewall.

You’ll have to look under the LF dash to see it - and possibly remove an under-dash hush pad.

It is also possible the grommet (which is often a press-in fit) is dislodged. Do not use lithium grease as any petroleum based product will degrade the rubber grommet. Silicone works well or GM’s Super Lube (which is similar to a toothpaste consistency in tube form, and also comes in a spray can with a tube).

 

[Snuffy]

Had the same thing on a 2013 King Ranch. Seemed to be more prevalent in colder weather, which supports the post above re: a rubber gasket and 99WhiteC5’s recommendations. Unfortunately my engine grenaded with the timing chain cam phaser issue before I had a chance to poke around and try and fix it.

 

[Truck3]

Had the same issue. It was the intermediate steering shaft. Many of the non-OEM replacements come with a zirk fitting to grease.
If the noise is clearly near the steering wheel (stick your ear right on it) is could be the clockspring in the steering wheel. Check all functions on the steering wheel such as cruise control, etc. If any of them ate intermittent or non- working, it could be the clockspring.
My top vote is for the shaft seal.

 

[Toy3zve]

So I tried a big squirt of silicone lube on the rubber bushing around the steering shaft as it goes through the firewall from the cabin side (I feel like I'm writing a p**n novel here...), and it worked perfectly; steering "squeak" is gone.

Thanks everyone!