Steering Wheel Noise

[WaylonJennings]

I have searched this website and could not find anything related to this.

I have a 2003 G35 sedan with 65k miles. In the last two weeks, the steering wheel has started making a squeaking/rubbing noise when being turned.

The noise is coming straight from the middle of the steering wheel. It is from inside the car and happens when turning the wheel in either direction. It's not wheel noise or anything else that has been described on this board. It is also not coming from the steering assembly next to the break pedal. It sounds like two pieces of plastic rubbing together but I've looked and the back of the steering wheel isn't touching anything.

This only occurs after the car has warmed up and been running for about 10 minutes and then it's consistent until the car has been shut off and cooled down for a while. The noise occurs while driving and idling and also happens when turning the wheel in either direction and also while in park. Also, I've raised and lowered the steering column and that has no effect either.

I just had the all the power steering fluid flushed and drained and new power steering fluid added three months ago at 62k miles. I checked today and it has plenty of power steering fluid. It reads right between the max and min lines (hot) in the resevoir. It's 105' in Dallas today.

I think if it were simply two peices of something rubbing together it would happen all the time.

The dealer wants $138 diagnostic fee. I'm inclined to spray some WD40 on it but that's pretty close to the airbag. Also if they do have to work on it, WD40 will make the mechanics life much more difficult. Plus I don't think that's really the problem since the car has to warm up before it starts making the sound.

I would hate to pay the dealer $138 to spray WD40 on it or tell me not to worry about it. The noise is actually pretty annoying. Also, I have a little baby girl and need to make sure the car is safe and the steering isn't going to fail. Hope you guys can help!!
Modified by WaylonJennings at 1:49 PM 8/5/2008

[maxnix]

Well, first off, WD40 is hygroscopic, not a permanent lubrication solution, and is harmful to many paints and plastics. If it is friction, lithium grease might be a better solution.

If the bag goes off in your face, you will wish you paid the $138.

[Q451990]

We had a 1982 Mazda 626 that did the same thing... my dad would take it apart every year or two and file on something and grease it down. If I were doing it, I would read up in the FSM on the safety precautions for air bag removal. Then get some "security" torx bits and take it apart to see if you can find it.

Heath

[WaylonJennings]

Took the car to the dealership (Sewell Infiniti in Dallas). Mechanic determined that it was a bushing on the outside of the car and that it's rubbing sound was coming up through the steering wheel.

Service notes: "found rack bushing at steering shaft dry and rubbing - lubed bushing and noise is gone"

Quoted me $138 to diagnose it but then only charged me $35 and I'm sure it took over an hour of labor since they had to keep it overnight and test it again the next morning.

I'm typically distrustful of dealership mechanics but I have had nothing but good experiences with Sewell. If you live around Dallas, Sewell started a Cadillac dealership years ago. They never pretended to be the cheapest in town and would tell you that up front -but sold cars based on their service and how well they treat people which continues to come through loud and clear.

Usually when I take my car to a dealership I get it back with something else broken. I've taken it to Sewell 4 times now and not once has it come back in worse condition than it was when I brought it in.

[Q451990]

Nice to hear a good dealership story, and that you got it fixed!

Heath