Steering: Possible steering issue.

[Father Ted]

I have a very small annoyance with my steering. I won't call it a problem yet, as I'm not sure it is.
At low speed, usually when parking, and usually when the steering is returning to straight from right hand down, I feel, rather that hear, a groan/vibration. It doesn't come through the steering wheel, more the pedal area.
Nothing excessive, and no other symptoms.
It feels like metal on rubber, with no lubrication: if you know what I mean.

Does the steering column pass through a rubber seal in the bulkhead?
Is this a known issue?
Or should I just put up with it until the weather warms up and I can be bothered to crawl under the car!?

[colinbos]

What colour is the power steering fluid ?

If its not clearly green, it needs changing. There is a thread on this forum, and a video on YOUTUBE, done by this forum member under the Youtube name of SIROBB.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DjU...wnQJeUwztva09m

IF its brown and murky, try this first... I found it cured my vibrating steering wheel knocking.

[GSTheo119]

I had this symptom, Good News...it was what it sounded like (dry rubber on metal) and you have already put your finger on it. It was coming from the rubber seal that surrounds the steering column as it passes through he bulkhead. I sprayed some silicone grease in there (with the straw directing it in there) and haven't heard a squeak since. piece of cake.

[Father Ted]

Thanks guys.
I'll probably do fluid anyway along with the others. But that can wait for warmer weather.

Is the rubber seal accessible from inside or underneath?

[trumpetdropper]

I have similar issue - but it only happens in reverse??
I changed steering fluid a few weeks ago, but things just seemed to get worse.
Now minor shudder/ rubbing/ vibration is noticeable around feet on floor/pedals and through steering - but again only in reverse.
Wondered whether it might be a sign that an engine mount or sub frame bush on its way out and there is some movement in the engine/suspension that might be pushing/pulling the column creating drag on the bearing/bushing hence the noise/ vibration?
In the meantime I'll give the lubrication of the column a try.

P.S. reversing in heavy snow (11" approx.) seems to have cured noise!!!

[jackohug]

Ah, so glad I saw this! I was starting to get paranoid about the power steering pump. I can feel it vibrating in the footwell though, about where the clutch pedal would be.

[Tannaton]

Originally Posted by GSTheo119

I had this symptom, Good News...it was what it sounded like (dry rubber on metal) and you have already put your finger on it. It was coming from the rubber seal that surrounds the steering column as it passes through he bulkhead. I sprayed some silicone grease in there (with the straw directing it in there) and haven't heard a squeak since. piece of cake.

There should be a small bearing on the steering column that slots into the top of the rubber grommit to stop the metal rubbing on rubber?

If the rack bushes are worn then at low speed the steering rack may have more lateral movement which may cause any steering column rubbing to be more severe.

[oragex]

At 7:30 you can see the bearing (it popped out from its seat at the top of the rubber boot but should be pushed back in). This bearing will rust and seize then starts moving inside the boot causing the noise and some groan.

Also check the (winter) floor mats don't run against the steering column at the same area.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37u_oQ0Q0Gc