Steering wheel squeeking

[Hucko]

Hello All,
I've just bought a 2001 E240 Elegance...lovely car but it has an annoying squeek coming from the steering wheel. It's more noticible when the car has warmed up a bit and i'm turning at low speeds. It sounds a bit like rubber on rubber. My independent garage has taken the steering cowling off and greased there, but the squeek still persists. Is there a quick fix or does the steering wheel have to come off?

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

There was a problem with the steering shaft seal on the rack with these. Usually requires the rack removeing and being striped.

I new rack is big money if i remember.

 

[Hucko]

Thanks for that, but it really doesn't sound that major. Annoying more than anything and no odd noises can be heard outside when the vehicles turning. Do you still think it could be what you said??

 

[Ellsy Tanners]

Possible, it just sounds like it is coming from the rubber grommet at the bulkhead, but in fact is the seal in the steering rack head if its this problem!!

I would'nt worry to much if you can but up with the noise i would leave it.

 

[Hucko]

Thanks, there has been a new development...it only squeeks when the engine is running, which makes me think you are right. Is there a cheap quick fix to the problem which I can ask my independent to have a quick look at, or am I stuck with it????
Cheers for your help so far.

 

[Mark H]

Steering wheel squeak

Interesting...my 2004 C-class does this also. It's very slight and only really noticeable when I reverse off the drive first thing in the morning. It feels (and sounds) to me as though as it's just something behind the steering wheel boss - so I have ignored it.
But it's due for a service in a couple of weeks so I might mention it to the indie guy I use. If he suggests a cause, I will share it with you.
Mark H

 

[Hucko]

The steering on my wife's C220 groans a bit when she reverses off the drive, it has done for the past two years...but is perfect at other times. I'll just get the power steering fluid checked next time it's in for a service. Keep me posted on your problem though. Thanks

 

[jberks]

I had a very minor squeak on my 2000 E240. Sounded like a minor rubber grommet. After 3 attempts and lubricating various bit ... they replaced the rack. Sorry.

 

[Aussie Nick]

Try moving the steering wheel base by putting pressure on different spots whilst turning the steering wheel. Sometimes the different temperature changes can affect the steering wheel touching other plastic parts on the steering column. Press=ure on these points can remove the noise.

Dont try it whilst you are driving. Do it with the engine running and whilst you are parked.

 

[Hucko]

Thanks to you all for your help....had a squeek free day today for the first time since I bought the car. I'm just hoping it stays that way! Can't think what i've done other than to turn the steering wheel vigourously, give it a a good thump and threaten to trade the car in for a BMW 5 Series. I've got 400 miles to do tomorrow so i'll let you know when I get back. Looks like Aussie Nick might've saved me a packet! If not, how much is a rack?

 

[aaronyoung]

Possible, it just sounds like it is coming from the rubber grommet at the bulkhead, but in fact is the seal in the steering rack head if its this problem!!

I would'nt worry to much if you can but up with the noise i would leave it.

I also encountered that same problem and it is really aggravating and I bought parts from Truck Parts

 

[Hucko]

The squeek is still there. I've explored a bit more, and the squeek is coming from the area near the bulkhead, although it did appear at first to be coming from the steering wheel boss. There is a rubber cone shaped sleeve under the pedals which the steering rack passes through. I've given it a good blast of lubricant but the squeek is still there. It sounds nothing more than rubber on rubber and other than that the car turns and performs well. Now the car just stinks as it burns off the WD40 where it's seeped out into the engine compartment. At my wits end now, can anyone suggest anything else?