Steering Wheel Squeal

[vando002]

Hi all,

I have a 2001 Saturn SC1 with 83K, 1.9L SOHC, 5 speed. The steering wheel always squealed very lightly since I bought it with 67K on it. Recently, it squeals very loudly, but only when turning to the left and returning to center afterwards. No noise when turning to the right and returning to center. Very weird. It sounds like an old door being opened for the first time in 100 years in dire need of some WD-40. The sound seems like it's coming from the steering column, not from outside. It doesn't do it every time though, it's more from dead stops at a stop sign and taking a left that does it. Or just sitting in the driveway with it running and turning it from left to right. But when taking a turn without stopping completely, usually there is no squeal. Is there something that would need to be lubed? Or is this an issued that would call for a new steering column?

Someone else had this issue too. You can find it at about pg 39-40 in the posts, dated 3/6/2006 started by fire24resque, but there was no conclusion, only one reply of someone else with the same problem. Please let me know if there is anything that can be done to fix this squeal, it's quite loud and annoying. Thanks!!

[RC1488]

Interesting.... Well a few things to look at. There are bushings under the column holding the steering wheel rod in place and also at the fire wall. May want to shoot it with some PB Blaster or WD 40.

You can also put the car on jack stands, remove the tires and see if its coming from the steering rack.