03 vue Steering problem

[opsinator]

I have an 03 vue v6 awd 54 k. I have this noise when I turn my wheel either direction wether I am driveing down the road or setting on my concrete drive. It sounds like the sound when you spin the wheel on the game show wheel of fortune.

Thanks,

[ssicarman]

If it is a rubber on metal type of noise then it is this.


Subject: Squeak or Squeal Noise While Turning Vehicle (Apply Grease to Intermediate Steering Shaft) #03-02-34-002 - (10/27/2003)



Models: 2002-2003 Saturn VUE Vehicles

2003 Saturn ION Vehicles


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).

[turbolouie]

I have a similar issue on a 2003 Vue, this is a clicking like a wire or piece of plastic rubbing against a gear or slotted shaft.
The steering column is enclosed with a metal cover. How does one apply lubrication the the shaft?? It isn't accessable is it? Thanks ahead for your help.

[Matt42]

The dealer tells my wife that "all the 2002 and 2003 Vues do this." Well, isn't that just dandy? Their steering column lube job lasts almost as long as an oil change, and they can do the steering column lube at the same time as an oil change for extra cost. Nice of them. :hothead:

This is the same dealer that tried to sell my wife an $80 injector flush "because it's time" and then put the oil drain plug in with an air wrench when she said no. I remember when Saturn dealers weren't like that. No different from any GM now. :snide:

[bstew0411]

Same problem for me too... Anyway to lube the steering column? I agree the noise is coming from inside the metal shaft.

[burlyvue2]

Could somebody (Saturn Tech) do a "how to" on the steering wheel creak lube job with photos and correct grease kit to help us to fix the noisy steering wheel? Thanks for help from all of us!

:flag:

:yes: :yes: :yes:

[Bigdaddy94sc2]

Could somebody (Saturn Tech) do a "how to" on the steering wheel creak lube job with photos and correct grease kit to help us to fix the noisy steering wheel? Thanks for help from all of us!

:flag:

:yes: :yes: :yes:

It is actually pretty simple to do, just hard to position yourself under there with both hands to do it.

Follow the steering shaft down to where it meets the firewall. There you will find the bellows (rubber boot)
Find where the boot and shaft meet.
Insert a small screwdriver or other flat bladed object that will fit between the boot and shaft.
Apply lube in between there VERY liberally.
Turn the wheel lock to lock while doing so, fairly often.
Once noise is completely gone, you are done.

BTW, it helps if you are a contortionist! :D

[bstew0411]

Thank you for the advice. What kind of lube do you recommend? I have tried WD-40 and Silcone Lubricant with no success.

I believe my squeak/squeal whatever you want to call it, is coming farther up the steering column though. The noise seems to be coming from within the closed tubular shaft that is within the dash, before it gets down to the floorboard area. Is that where the electronic steering assist is located? Is it possible to get inside that tubular metal shaft to lube that area?

Thanks for your help.

[runerx]

Mine had a similar sound I thought something was loose and rattling under the dash but they repleced the steering column under warranty. It went away for a while but has since returned....:hmpf:

I guess I'll just live with it because I can't afford to "fix" it again on my own dime.

Dave

[Jason]

This is actually a very easy problem to fix, even for an amateur. :) I lived with the rubbing noise for 2 years until it recently became intolerably loud with the cold weather. The problem causing the noise is the rubber boot at the firewall (on the floor, behind the pedals) that goes around the steering column. Apparently it needs to be greased occasionally otherwise it makes noise.

I called the Saturn dealer and asked for a lube kit for the intermediate shaft on the steering column. They knew exactly what I was talking about and told me it was $18.

Thinking $18 was a bit steep for a tube of grease, I called Advance Auto Parts but was told they didn't know what GM recommends for this, so I decided just get it from the dealer. This was a good choice on my part: For $18 I got a tube of lubricant and an instruction sheet complete with photos on how to use it - GM Part# 15145337. The tube they give you looks tiny but you could fix this problem on a fleet of VUEs with it. It took me about 20 minutes from start to finish to fix the noise.

The hardest part of doing this yourself is positioning yourself to reach the boot. You'll need to be flexible, or find a flexible friend / family member!

Good luck and I hope this helps!

[just_vue_it]

As always, I find an answer to my questions (problems) in this forum. Thanks all for your inputs and participations. I have the same noise coming from the base of the steering column. For now, I adjusted the rubber boot by wrangling it a bit higher. It seems to work but if it comes back I’ll try the lubrication thing.

[burlyvue2]

:yes: :yes: :yes:

Jason wrote "For $18 I got a tube of lubricant and an instruction sheet complete with photos on how to use it - GM Part# 15145337. The tube they give you looks tiny but you could fix this problem on a fleet of VUEs with it. It took me about 20 minutes from start to finish to fix the noise."

It works. It is a very hard position to get your body into to do the repair. My Vue is now "creak" free. There was lots of grease left over too. Should be enough for the life of the vehicle.

Thanks for the info Jason.

:flag:

[MasterZ]

WOW!!! glad I found this place....

our Vue has been doing that for over a year now.. I have tried looking everywhere for that noise...

Thanks for the info, I will be fixing it SOON!

[jeannev]

After reading this thread I called my dealer to get my own kit.

My dealer sells the kits for $14.00 including instruction sheet. Took me and my neighbor 15 minutes. This is a simple fix once you get the boot off. Mostly you must get into a really awkward position to work on it. Thanks for saving me $$$.

[D C]

What do they call the grease that's in the tube? Does it have a name or chemical ID on the label or anything?

[wlhawk]

I had the noise for about a week during freezing temps but it stopped after the weather warmed up.

[KnightRid]

I was curious - does this fix the actual CLICKING problem or is this just a fix for the creaking?

Mine actually has the clicking like the OP stated.

Mike

Should have traded it in for a 2007 :) We were looking but the wife said no when the monthly payment would be $45 more :(

[morx27]

I used grease gun with flexible hose and needle nozzle. Had helper slide screwdriver down, to pull rubber boot away from shaft above brake pedal, so I could pump in chassis lube. You're lubricating a U-joint, so any chassis lubricant should be OK. A small grease gun would be easiest to use; available from auto parts store.