I started a thread on PistonHeads in response to another member's post on this topic, and thought I might get some answers here as well. The issue he mentioned--and which I too have recently noticed--is a faint noise coming from the steering wheel. It is audible when the car is sitting still and at low speeds. It sounds almost like fabric swishing against another surface, or perhaps rubber moving against something. It is definitely from the steering wheel itself and not the tires. I've checked the power steering fluid and the level seems to be fine. Any thoughts?

 

Turning? You didn’t mention that, so I’m guessing. What was the condition of the fluid in the steering? Can you see the bottom of the reservoir with a light?

 

Yes, while turning the wheel. I didn't think to shine a light down in the reservoir--I just checked the dipstick. In hindsight, I suppose the fluid on the dipstick looking relatively clean. What should it look like?

 

The fluid color should be green. If it is really dirty it may be time for a flush. Steering fluid gets dirty just like engine oil and should be changed. I would try this first. I have been able to correct a few with a steering flush. The seals inside the rack like to make noise, and transfer up the column. I have only replaced the rack once as the noise didnt seem to want to go away.

 

I just had a look at the steering fluid. It is still green, but looks a bit like pea soup. It is fairly opaque, so I could not see through it to the bottom of the reservoir. Should it be transparent?

 

Too some point, depending on the age of your car, the fluid should be transparent. If you have a '06 or '07 then I suspect the fluid to be dark in color, which would mean its dirty. I would try to flush it first. There was a bullentin about up grading the fluid and adding an additive for steering squeaks, SB-11-0300.

 

2 things..either fluid needs to be changed like AMfixer has stated..or the rubber grommet bushing in the firewall is dry and needs to be lubed with something like dry silicone spray (3M product) ..

The fluid in the PS system sometimes lacks lube to the pinion bushing in the rack, this then causes the noise of rubber sliding..fluid flsuh and additive are needed and about 20 turns of the wheel per side to get the fluid to the pinion bushing..and even then sometimes car is released to client to drive mroe for noise to decrease after flush+addititive.

The same noise of rubber sliding heard from steering can be the rubber grommet at the firewall on the lower steering shaft..lube this rubber/busging/grommet with dry silicone spray..

How to know weither it's the rack fluid or firewall bushing..disconnect the steering rack to the lower steering shaft..turn steering, if noise is not present no more..rack fluid...if noise is still present, rubber firewall bushing needs to be lubed..

 

I had a similiar problem with my old Chrysler 300c. I removed some of the fluid and replaced it with Lucas stop leak which also conditions the power steering parts within the system. Problem was solved soon after. However it could be more serious as Irish07 mentions.

 

Thank you, gentlemen. I'll have it checked out when I go in for my 10K mile service.

 

Please let us know what they say. My 2006 Vantage has just started it last night, although it has only 16K miles in it.

 

I have the same problem on my 2007 V8V. Had it at the dealer, he checked the fluid the mechanical stuff as well as the motor and found nothing. Still have the noise though...

 

strangely, my v8 is doing this as well...

irish07 - i haven't looked but if i want to spray the rubber grommet, do I do it from underneath the steering wheel or from the engine bay?

 

Grommet can be access from inside and from undernieth..I spray the dry silicone from both sides

 

i'll give it a shot tonight! thanks irish07

 

Mine was the lower steering shaft problem, had it fixed under warranty