Noisy squeking from steering column

[pmansson]

With a cold engine car, parking manouevres result in serious sqeaking from the upper part of the steering column. If I press the steering wheel upwards, and continue turning back and forth, the noise disappears.
It doesn?t matter if the engine is hot or cold. I have tried to spray various products into the visible parts incl UJs and splines but this has not helped at all.
Any ideas most welcome.
Peder

[paulj]

Hi
mine has a dry sort of squeak
i have tracked it down to the bush where it passes through the body
but still not managed to find a permanent cure
I am hoping it will wear enough to stop the rubbing !
Paul

[pmansson]

I thought the noise came from much higher up (perhaps it does in my car but not yours?)
Does it disappear if you push the wheel up when turning?
Peder

[paulj]

Hi
not actually tried
it does come and go and seems to be weather related
it does sound high up though
regards Paul

[christopher storey]

The top bushes ( felt on S1 cars, plastic on S2 and 3 , ) often squeak . A suitable lubricant such as wd40 usually will cure it for a while

[Heuer]

Elastollan bushes should not need lubrication. The problem of squeaking bushes or stiff steering occurs because as the car heats up the steering column expands and causes the binding with the bushes. Basically the repro Elastollan bushes are the wrong size probably caused by the misconception that the steering is 'loose' (you can move the steering wheel up/down/left/right) when you first get into the car. People think the bushes are 'worn' so fit the new ones and are pleased to find all the play is gone. Unfortunately when you start driving the car the problems really start! I spoke to CMC about the issue and they use a Dremel to lightly relieve the the inner circumference of the bushes to get sufficient play.

The problem Peder is experiencing could be the bushes but it could also be the steering wheel rubbing against the indicator cowls. I suggest you remove both cowls (one clips off, the other must be unscrewed) and see if that is the cause. Next stage would be to remove the column and check the copper horn contact where it touches the column. It should be lightly greased.