79la

Hey Everyone, Happy Holidays to you all,

There's a noise in my steering column that's been driving me crazy. I've checked everything that could be loose in the area and can't seem to find anything. I've checked the dash console and speedo cables and still no luck. They don't make a noise. It sounds like a spring that rattles. It only happens above 40mph. I did notice that the column looks a little dry and was wondering if it ever needs lubrication? Take a look at the pictures attached. There is some noise that comes from this area when I play with the steering will and move it back and forth. Is this normal? Could it be something worse?

Just can't seem to figure it out and it's driving me crazy!

Thanks in advance for the help...

97ltd4x4

I don't see how lubing that spot could hurt...there are springs behind the airbag for the horn contacts,could check those as well,

The spiral cable might make noise ,but it would only be when truning the steering wheel...

You could also put a little wrap of electrical tape on those springs in your pictures,maybe the column cover is rubbing on one of them?

Another thing to check is the seal at the firewall which the steering shaft goes through,I would lube that as well...sometimes the rubber can get hard and kinda drag on the seal and make noise...

If you are stumped,drive with covers off and see if the noise goes away or maybe you can pinpoint it better...

79la

I don't see how lubing that spot could hurt...there are springs behind the airbag for the horn contacts,could check those as well

I checked those and have been driving without the airbag, no noise there...

The spiral cable might make noise ,but it would only be when truning the steering wheel...

Been driving without the spiral cable too. It's not this...

You could also put a little wrap of electrical tape on those springs in your pictures,maybe the column cover is rubbing on one of them?

No, it's not the column cover either. I've pretty much been driving with the least amount of stuff attached to the steering column...

Another thing to check is the seal at the firewall which the steering shaft goes through,I would lube that as well...sometimes the rubber can get hard and kinda drag on the seal and make noise...

I'll have to check this maybe here...

Thanks for your advice...

rbmoomba

1st gen?? Tilt console?? My 88 dlx without tilt that shifts back and forth and creates racket. I searched for a possible solution a while back with no luck. there are three bolts around the column, tightened them but no luck.

79la

No Sorry it's 3rd Gen...

79la

Hey Everyone I finally figured it out. After much trial and error I discovered that yes this area does need lubrication. A little WD40 and it did the trick. No more vibration or rattling. Just watch out because it does drain out to your floor mats, so have some paper towels laid out before spraying.

I believe its like your Knee socket. When there's no cartilage it's like bone on bone. I hope if anyone else has this problem they can find their answer here.

Thanks.

97ltd4x4

Thanks for the update fix!