Steering Wheel Squeaks A Little When Turning

[mfos]

Hi there,

 

On my 2011 C5 Tourer, when i turn the steering wheel it squeaks a little, perhaps 2 on a full lock either way.

For example if i turn a corner it will squeak once then squeak again when the wheel returns to its normal position.

It sounds like it needs a little grease/oiling etc.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Many Thanks

 

 

[Johndouglas]

The shroud around the steering column is quite close. For starters I'd squirt a little silicone lubricant in there. Some furniture polishes contain silicone, so that would do. Look at Asda's own brand. It's very cheap.

[mfos]

Not sure its the plastic shroud thats causing the squeaking. Sounds more metallic, metal on metal than on plastic. Will give it a try as up for any solutions.

 

Cheers

[paul.h]

Do you have an idea of the location of the squeak, is it inside or from outside the cabin ?

[mfos]

Its inside. It sounds like its coming from the steering wheel itself, in-between the actual wheel and the column structure.

It does sound like it needs oiling or something.

 

What would the best approach be? Squirt some down the gaps between the wheel and column?

 

Cheers

[paul.h]

I would remove the column plastic covers, held by 2 bolts under the lower cover, possibly needing a torx bit. Then see if you can tell where the noise is coming from. I would not try spraying something like wd40 in without doing this since there is a lot of expensive electrical stuff under the steering wheel.

[mfos]

Yes I agree going in gung ho is probably not the best.

I'll take the cover off and see if i can locate the area.

Thanks

[mfos]

UPDATE

After taking off the trim from under the column so I could see the steering shaft I realised the noise was come from around the u-joint where the shaft goes into the floor.

Added some WD40 and after some wiggles of the steering wheel the noise slowly drifted away.

Didn't have time for a run out but will check back to confirm all fixed.

[paul.h]

There seems to be a common problem on the 2008 on C5 of steering rack oil leaks, possibly pipe seals but also the top oil seal where the column shaft enters the rack. Rusting of the shaft may be a cause. Have a look at this, copied from the Technical section Common Problems pinned post and it may pay you to have a look and grease the shaft:

 

25. New C5 (mark 3/X7) steering rack oil leaks - 4 cases so far.

We have 2 members jefflad and Howiec with steering rack leaks that are proving difficult to fix. Where the supply and return pipes join the rack, the seals are leaking fluid. It seems Citroen want to replace the pipes to fix this and that just replacing the O-ring seals does not work. Citroen also do not sell the seals separately. An additional 2 members, Parkesie and johnfing, have found a leak from the steering column shaft input seal on top of the steering rack, which initially was thought to be the pipe seals. This seal also is not available so replacement racks have been fitted. The column shaft has badly rusted so may be the cause of the leak - applying grease could possibly prevent this. See http://www.citroen-o...uid/#entry75684

[mfos]

Thanks for this. Interesting.

Well I don't any any squeaks now so a squirt of WD40 seems to have done the trick but I will keep an eye on it. 

I don't have facilities to to get under the car to check the rack but I might take it to a mate who owns a garage and get him to check it over for a few pints!

 

Thanks for you help, much appreciated.

Cheers