Squeaking Sound from Steering When Wet

[NY94J30]

When the weather is wet, I"m getting a squeaking sound as I turn the wheel lock to lock - stationary and at speed - once the wheel is at about 45 degrees past center. It sounds as if it's coming from behind the dash on the passenger side, not from the engine compartment. I checked the power steering belt anyway, and it doesn't appear loose, and the fluid is clean and at the proper level.

Any ideas?

[Q451990]

Any ideas?

I would check under hood with while someone else turns the wheels. I'm going to guess a bad idler or glazed belt.

Heath
Modified by Q451990 at 12:34 AM 12/6/2009

[elwesso]

you'd think after someone took the time to bypass an IP ban that they would stop making the same name and using the same avatar, i guess not everyone can be so mentally blessed...

does the sound feel like its coming more from something in the actual linkage or in the hydraulic system... IE it might not be a bad idea to lift the front wheels off the ground with the wheels off the ground with the engine off and see what happens.

[NY94J30]

Wes, in answer to your question, I don't feel any resistance in the wheel as I turn it when its making this sound.

I listened more carefully tonight and realized that the sound occurs at intervals, eg, 45-90 degrees, 135-180, etc. It's certainly a rubber component judging by the sound, and it seems it must be in the engine compartment - though it doesn't sound like it - due to the fact that its affected by the wet weather only. I just can't pin point where its coming from.

[Q451990]

Almost sounds like something binding in the rack, but it's hard to say. Getting under the car with someone else turning the steering is probably the only way to narrow it down though.

Heath

[NY94J30]

Unfortunately, its been dry since I started this thread, but I'll post an update when I can get underneath on a wet day.