SQUEAK/SQUISH NOISE FROM STEERING WHEEL AREA

[BRUCE JAMISON]

Hi, I have a 2003 Camry Sportivo ACV36R 4cyl Auto, there is a strange "squish" / "squeak" noise as I turn from around the steering wheel/column area, I am sure it is inside and not from under the bonnet area. I have sprayed WD40 between the steering wheel and horn contact area, also on the rubber boot area where the shaft goes thru the firewall Any ideas ???? Thanks Bruce

[Guest]

I have a camry 2001 touring with the same problem. I got an idea of where to look by John's pic, but couldn't read his english. I yanked the steering wheel left to make the noise, and tried several areas. The one that stopped the squeak was spraying lithium grease on the large seal that goes through the firewall. Just a short spray of grease. There are 2 shafts in that area, and that seems to have gotten rid of the squeak. Time will tell.

Edited December 12, 2012 by joeallen

[Davo76]

Same here on my '02 wagon. Been too lazy to investigate but will post here if I ever do.

[seeingstars]

I used to get that with my 94 Corolla Sprinter when the weather got hot, am having the same thing with my 2004 Camry Sportivo, but not as prevalent. It doesn't bother me enough to investigate it, however if a solution is found I'll be pretty quick to instigate it.

[anothercamry]

have this in my '99 touring...never investigated, some days it's there other days it's not. sorry i can't help but it sounds like a common problem with these cars.

[Pva_Glue]

I have 2004 MCV36R Grande and have same problem, mine is on driver side seat (so behind me). I try to ignore it but I cant. drives me insane.

I don't like use WD40 inside of the cabin due to the smell... :( try to use oil instead.

[BRUCE JAMISON]

Hi All

I have found that the noise is louder in cold conditions, less noticable in hot conditions, therefore the 'lube' is harder when cold and softer when hot, also I have degreased around the top of the steering rack where the shaft goes into it, there is a seal in this area that I am told was replaced on some vehicles under warranty, but takes a long time to replace, i.e. the steering rack has to come out, try degeasing around this area, then when dry, lubricate slightly, this worked for me

Regards

Bruce

[jdv]

Hi, having driven and fixed pretty old cars for many years (many of them Fords) I would take a guess at the mechanism that returns your indicator after turning. Try it in different positions when you turn to see if impacts on the sound. Another guess: some cars used to have a brass ring that has a carbon "brush" rubbing on it that "wirelessly" transfers the electrical circuit of the hooter across to the steering column. This may be producing the sound, or its as simple as some plastics of the column touching the steering shaft. Also a possibility is the steering lock rubbing against the shaft. A strip and clean and lubricate is all that will work. Just be very careful with airbags - follow instructions on how to disable that before you fiddle.....

[lammers_]

Experienced the exact same problem mentioned. Found it would occur/be worse during certain weather conditions e.g. Very cold / very hot.

After reading through many others experiences and attempted fixes, I dropped into the local supercheap auto and bought a can of white lithium grease for $9.95. Sprayed some just around the area where the steering shaft enters the rubber boot before the firewall. Have not heard the noise ever since!

P.s- supercheap auto and repco store reps had both specifically recommended the lithium as it won't deterriorate the rubber boot.

Hope this helps anyone with the same problem :)