norcoastal

When I'm stopped and I turn my steering wheel slightly to the right or left I hear a squeak that sounds like it's coming from the end of the steering column.

It's not at the steering wheel which I know has been a problem with some cars. This is somewhere in the steering mechanism.

And ideas???

PasPar2

my steering wheel used to rub on the stationary part below it on humid days... just fyi

Marc Gelefsky

I had that squeak, it went away after I replaced the clock spring (for an airbag light)

norcoastal

Where is the clock spring?

Marc Gelefsky

When you remove the steering wheel its right there, had the wires for the airbag and horn, allows them to maintain connection when the wheel is turned.

norcoastal

The squeak isn't behind the wheel. It's somewhere in the steering box or there abouts. The noise seems like it's coming from the bottom of the column down by the box.

Macster

If there's any chance the noise is coming from the steering rack area, check the power steering fluid level.

I spotted a Boxster in the dealer's service bay the other day with its steering rack out and both rubber boots wet with fluid. When the tech removed the boot I heard a faint pop and some power steering fluid gushed out.

The problem is the pressure check valve in the line from power steering pump to the rack fails and the rack sees full pressure from the power steering pump. The rack can make noises at first but after awhile the seals leak and the power steering fluid level drops.

Then the noise comes from the power steering pump because it is running low on fluid.

A too low a power fluid level will ruin the power steering pump in no time.

Then the repair requires a new power steering pump, new lines, a new rack, and an alignment.

Sincerely,

Macster.

sjfehr

Macster, what are some symptoms of that? My power steering is giving the "low fluid" groan when turning hard at low speeds (parking), even when freshly topped off. I've had to add a small bit of fluid, but not much.

norcoastal

I went out to check for my steering fluid but I'm not sure where the filler is. In the front is where you put brake fluid, where do you put the steering fluid?

C4CRNA

engine compartment
Little cap(black) to the right of the throttle body. Says Hydraulicoil
Pentosin