[ladioffaith]

I have replaced the rack bushings in my car twice. The second time was under warranty. Both times the guy kept the car for 48 hours and didn't give me a car that steered straight when I got it back.

Now the steering wheel is squeaking every time I maneuver into a parking spot. At least that's when I am most likely to hear it.

She has 182K on her, won't pass e-check this spring and the tranny shop said she was showing signs of "significant wear." I am really, really, really hoping to save enough for a replacement by spring. But meanwhile, any idea what this could be?

[94Beater]

I have a similar sound to my steering that I only will hear when the stereo and blower are turned off and I am pulling into a parking spot, but I'm not sure that it's something to be concerned with.

I have replaced my rack bushings recently before I ever noticed the noise, and had no issues with straightness of steering after the bushing replacement.

[95intrepid99kid]

When I go over a bumpy road, I get this weird rattling noise.

[bh1992]

coming from the steering wheel itself, or coming from the power steering pump? also, is it doing it AS you turn the wheel, or only when the wheel is turned all the way?

[95intrepid99kid]

Wheel itself, on a flat, bumpy, straight dirt road you get this weird metallic noise.

[bh1992]

oops sorry, the question I was asking pertained more to LADIOFFAITH's car and 94BEATER's car

[94Beater]

Mine squeals as I turn it and sounds like it's coming from somewhere within the steering wheel or steering column.

[hrmwrm]

my old new yorker used to do that too when it was real cold. never figured it out though. either the bearing in the column by the wheel, or where it goes through the rubber boot near the floor. either isn't a safety problem though.

[ladioffaith]

The wheel itself, in any position. It sounds like a metalic hum, sort of. Or like when I leave the windshield wipers on too long.

It's just getting to the age where I think every noise is something to worry about.

[Adpros]

Has it cooled off, weatherwise 'round your area? I have noted that 1st gens almost always have a vocal dislike of cold weather from the steering.

Check the power steering fluid as well for a leak. Be sure the reservoir is full.

[95intrepid99kid]

My reservoir was almost empty once. actually, there was a time where the battery sprayed acid all over the res. and we lost all the fluid, needless to say, there were weird noises going on underhood.

[98IntrepidTan]

Staff! The squeaky steering wheel gets the... shaft!

I don't know about the 1st gens, but on the 2nd gen reservoirs there's a "filter" screen on the suction side that can be blocked with trash.

[hrmwrm]

sounds like it's right at the wheel and not in the engine area? a squeek and not more of a growl? like a eeeee, and not a zzzzzzzzz kinda noise?

[ladioffaith]

It's a definite high pitched squeak, which I don't notice unless I'm driving at a low speed and yes, with the heat off.

I never noticed it in the summer, but maybe it was going and I didn't hear because the windows were open (No AC)

And yes, it definitely has cooled to the 40s-50s. Last week I took it to get the oil changed and didn't notice it after. I just remembered that we had a couple of unseasonably warm days and that's when I didn't notice it. As soon as the cold and rain returned, so did the squeak.

[tooljunkie]

a high pitched squeak is probably the rubber boot the steering column shaft goes through.
i had suprising success spraying armor-all in the area the noise comes from,under the dash.
i guess it has a little silicone in it.

i found the bushings difficult to replace in the car,some guys like to remove the racks to replace the bushings,which would explain the off centre steering,and the squeak,as the steering shaft and rubber has been disturbed,most likely the grease was wiped off.