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Rubbing noise when turning wheel

B

bluebsh

New member
This just started over the past couple weeks. When I turn my steering wheel I get a noise like you get when you rub textured vinyl together or a textured fabric like a jacket would have...

I've already had my rack replaced, already had the steering pump replaced... they apparently packed the intermediate steering shaft with grease to reduce noise now this starts...

any idea what it could be? It sounds like it is coming from inside the steering column itself almost.

virtually every problem I've had with this car has came from the steering system....

It's a 2008 Base GP
 


take the tire off on the side you hear it from, and look for a rub mark on the plastic shield. maybe its fallen out of place and rubs the tire when turning.
 
Yes, I also replaced all tires and had a sway bar replaced on the front right. After all that, this started
 


look over the whole wheel well, all the plastic. you'll see a rub mark if its hitting the tire. a screw or clip may have fallen out, or part just fell out of place.
 
I don't see any loose plastic shields or anything else rubbing on a tire or any rods... any other ideas?
 
the brake rotor has a dust shield its metal. sometimes they get bent a bit and touch the rotor and make noise, other then that im out of ideas.
 
checked the steering fluid again, it's still at the perfect level....

turned the wheel slowly and listened around it, it actually sounds like the noise is coming from inside the column... what all is in there that might rub ever? because the closer to the wheel the louder it is, the closer I get to the floor boards the less I can hear it.
 


I had a 77 Cutlass that I had to replace the steering column in. The replacement came from a 77 Monte Carlo. None of that really matters except that when I finished the swap I had a rubbing noise int he column and it was only dry bearings. Not sure if they use a sealed unit in the newer stuff or the bearings are still the captive ball type. A shot of grease or graphite to the bearing worked for me.

And if the mechanic had the column out, make sure the wire harness isn't rubbing on the turn shaft. Big problems later on!
 
Look at the steering column and make sure the rubber sleeve that's around it isn't pinched and rubbing on anything. Our impala makes a slight squeaking noise from the inside when turning, I'm not sure what it is yet but I'll look into what I said.
 
Are there any dash warning lamps on? Has the car ever been in an accident with airbag deployed or with impact on a front wheel? I think I would want to do an exploratory teardown- remove the steering wheel and column trim just to see if the noise becomes obvious then. Hopefully something just needs to be shoved out of the way. For what it's worth, a LOT of cars make a little noise when turning the wheel. Be sure not to fix it if it ain't broke!
 
No, there are no warning lights, it did have a rear impact about 8 months ago and had to have the rear panel replaced and a new trunk lid, but after that I didn't have a noise. The car was completely realigned after that, everything was inspected, etc. This noise just started in the past few weeks, I never heard it in the entire time I owned this car since it came off the assembly line.
 
OK then. I asked about the SIR system because theres a clockspring in the column and it is possible for them to make noise, especially if re-used after a deployment. Not being able to see / hear it myself, my only other suggestion is to check with a GM dealer to see if any bulletins (known issues with established fixes recommended by GM) exist concerning your issue.
 


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