Steering Wheel Squeaking Noise

[Guest BimmerzE36]

Have any of you experienced a strange squeaking noise coming out of your steering column when your turning ? It started about a week ago and Im sure its coming from the steering wheel column, the sound is of plastics scraping or something. Anybody got any solution to this? So I was thinking to disconnect my negative battery terminal and hack my steering wheel off (well not literally)

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

dont take the steering wheel off if it has an airbag. if you must take it off get it disabled by a specialist. you dont want that blowing up in your face, and its as good as useless if its not installed again properly

[Guest BimmerzE36]

dont take the steering wheel off if it has an airbag. if you must take it off get it disabled by a specialist. you dont want that blowing up in your face, and its as good as useless if its not installed again properly

What do you reckon I should do about the noise ? Is this a common problem that has a easy fix? My cars mechanically sound.

[*Glenn* 854]

Its the squib ring (clockspring) making the noise. Only long term fix is to replace it. They cost approx $500

[Guest BimmerzE36]

Its the squib ring (clockspring) making the noise. Only long term fix is to replace it. They cost approx $500

Thanks, is that noise going to cause any long term problems with the bimmer if I left it that way, and If I buy that clockspring, you reckon it'd be a fairly simple DIY job ?

Cheers

[*Glenn* 854]

You could put up with it till the horn stops working or the airbag light comes on.. otherwise change it. DIY is not recommended.

BTW: If the airbag light comes on, don't assume it's this. It would need to scanned. Fault code for airbag squib ring is : Firing curcuit drivers airbag

Edited July 4, 2010 by *Glenn*

[_ethrty-Andy_ 2132]

hijack... OP looks like hes got his answer though...

Glenn do you think it is possibly the same problem in my Volvo? it also clicks some times, has an airbag, one of two horn buttons dont work, and occasionally (only seen it twice in the three or four weeks ive had the car so far and its a DD) the SRS light comes on. Im not really worried about fixing it, the whole airbag system was ment to be replaced 7 years ago according to the manual, but none the less im interested to know if i can fix it or not

Edited July 4, 2010 by _Ethrty-Andy_

[Katalyst 0]

its not the clock/slip ring at all

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245961&referrerid=&highlight=steering+wheel+squeaks]Click here!://http://forums.bimmerforums.com/foru...ck here!

[*Glenn* 854]

its not the clock/slip ring at all

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245961&referrerid=&highlight=steering+wheel+squeaks]Click here!://http://forums.bimmerforums.com/foru...ck here!://http://forums.bimmerforums.com/foru...ck here!://http://forums.bimmerforums.com/foru...ck here!

In most cases it is

It can also be caused by what your liink refers to as well

Your link doesn't work, so I went and found it:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showt...g+wheel+squeaks

You can determine where the noise is coming from by removing the under dash panel, column shrouds and use a stethescope.

Note: This discussion applies to E36's on E30's the noise is normaly the lack of grease on the slip ring for the horn plunger contact, it makes a similar noise when the ring is dry

Edited July 4, 2010 by *Glenn*

[Jono51 59]

we have clock springs available,common fault, as mentioned by Glenn

best to take it to someone to be diagnosed before spending anything on parts

not a DIY .

Andrew in regards to your volvo

give us a call, book it in and we can sort it

Jon

Edited July 5, 2010 by Jono51