Odd sound in steering column when turning

[maggiemae]

I have a 2003 Vue with 87k and it recently started making a low-pitched groaning noise in the steering column when I turn the wheel. It's louder when I'm going slower, like in a parking lot. I just started noticing the noise as the weather got colder.

It's definitely not a ticking or anything--I've read through some of the other posts about steering noises and none of them sound like this. My sister was on the phone with me while I was driving and she said it sounded like I had a duck in the car.

Any advice is greatly appreciated! Thanks for your help!

[1saxman]

Normal noise - it's the airbag coil scraping, or so I have read here. Just a VUE quirk.

[homerec130]

I have a similar sound on my 08 XR. I always thought it was some type of seal in the steering wheel assembly. For the want of a better term it sounds like a rubbery rubbing sound (aircrew techincal description). I also only get it a fairly low speeds, but after the car interior warms up, it goes away. Can't remember if I have it on my 06 or not.

Homer

[ssicarman]

If the noise sounds like a rubber on meatl rubbing noise then it is likely the steering intermediat shaft dust boot. Saturn has a TSB for this with a part number for a grease kit with intructions. The grease works very well to get rid of the noise.


Condition
Some customers may comment on a squeak or squeal noise coming from the base of the steering column while turning vehicle.

Cause
The squeak or squeal noise may be caused by insufficient lubrication of the intermediate steering shaft-to-rubber boot contact area.

Correction
Lubricate the intermediate steering shaft-to-rubber boot contact area using grease kit (P/N 22731003).

The part number may have updated but any Saturn parts deparment will be able to get it for you if they don't have it in stock.

[homerec130]

That sounds like what I was expecting. I'll put it on the list for my next oil change. I still waiting for my driver's seat lower rail cover for my 08 vue. Parts hasn't heard anything about where it is in the system.

Many thanx,

Homer

[VTchemist]

Same thing happened on my 2003 VUE this week. Sounds like a "duck" is trapped in the airbag. Seems the explanation by 1Saxman is correct. It only happens when it is way below freezing.

[slowgoer]

Do not waste your $$ on a grease kit.Simply spray some wd40 on the steering shaft at the boot and turn wheel several times and your done.:)Just did this after putting up with it since winter started.Now to deal with my sunroof visor rattle....WOW :zzz:what a loud annoying sound...can you say remove visor !! LOL
I really wish I found this forum before I bought my Vue, this thing is junk If I wasn't upside down with this I would dump it in a heartbeat !!

[OPAMP]

My wifes 2002 vue is making this noise. I was going to do a silicon spray job on it. She describes it as a funny rub noise..lol. Her vue is a rattle trap these days.
It has 77,000 miles and I cant really complain. Thank God we didn't buy that VTI trans:eek: the dealer really tried to sell us on. 5sp 2.2

[VTchemist]

Do not waste your $$ on a grease kit.Simply spray some wd40 on the steering shaft at the boot and turn wheel several times and your done.:)Just did this after putting up with it since winter started.Now to deal with my sunroof visor rattle....WOW :zzz:what a loud annoying sound...can you say remove visor !! LOL
I really wish I found this forum before I bought my Vue, this thing is junk If I wasn't upside down with this I would dump it in a heartbeat !!

WD-40 isn't a lubricant. The WD stands for "water displacment". It was developed to help the army clean things with moving parts.

I used some lithium grease (for packing bicycle bearings) to get rid of the noise in my column. I applied it to the "boot" using a Q-tip.

You'll need to pull the boot (that goes through the firewall) down about 1/2 inch and then apply your grease.