RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Steering wheel making noise when turning

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 01-28-10 | 11:27 AM
  #1  
JOHNBRAY11's Avatar
JOHNBRAY11
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 2
From: AZ
Default Steering wheel making noise when turning

When moving steering wheel left or right it makes the noise as if the power steering fluid is low or out. The power steering fluid is good. What could be wrong??? Thanks for the help in advance.
The following 2 users liked this post by JOHNBRAY11:
geraldd62 (05-07-20)
Old 01-28-10 | 11:43 AM
  #2  
salimshah's Avatar
salimshah
Moderator
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 15,704
Likes: 1,120
From: Austin, TX
Default

Do you hear the noise when you are holding the steering in a turned position or it happens while you are spinning the wheel?

Noise in the first case is due to the pump and in the second case is typically a scrubbing sound [around the steering wheel or at the base where the link pass though the fire wall.].

When you say the pump is good, are you saying you are getting assist? I would also look for bubbles in the reservoir during or right after the pump use. Bubbles mean trouble.

Salim
Old 01-28-10 | 11:53 AM
  #3  
JOHNBRAY11's Avatar
JOHNBRAY11
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 2
From: AZ
Default

Just when i am turning the wheel it makes that noise. I havent done any maintenance to the power steering so im thinking that the bubbles are out. Its hard to write how it sounds but i can only explain that its that noise like when you are low or out of power steering fluid. What would the pump make it do?? Thanks for helping.
Old 01-28-10 | 12:18 PM
  #4  
ivan1's Avatar
ivan1
Driver
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: new jersey
Default

does it sound like a squeaking as if leather was rubbing against something? cuz thats what mine sounds like when i turn the wheel when i'm not moving.
Old 01-28-10 | 01:39 PM
  #5  
bob2200's Avatar
bob2200
Driver
 
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 13
From: Maryland
Default

Originally Posted by ivan1
does it sound like a squeaking as if leather was rubbing against something?
This is a common noise. It is the steering column rubbing against the plastic/rubber seal at the firewall. Lubing with grease or spraying with silicone should help.
Old 01-28-10 | 05:10 PM
  #6  
ivan1's Avatar
ivan1
Driver
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: new jersey
Default

just spray it in the little space between or should i take something apart?
Old 01-28-10 | 05:14 PM
  #7  
salimshah's Avatar
salimshah
Moderator
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 15,704
Likes: 1,120
From: Austin, TX
Default

I would not disassemble anything. [other than the shell around the steering wheel]. Locate the source of noise and then spray lube it and wipe off access.

Salim.
Old 01-29-10 | 07:39 AM
  #8  
JOHNBRAY11's Avatar
JOHNBRAY11
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 98
Likes: 2
From: AZ
Default

Yes it does sound like its around the steering wheel. So i should spray some lube around where the firewall is? Dont have to remove anything right? Just trying to get a picture of where exactly i need to spray Lube. Thanks again for all the help.
Old 01-29-10 | 08:04 AM
  #9  
Lexmex's Avatar
Lexmex
Super Moderator
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 17,250
Likes: 165
From: Miami, Florida
Default

Use these photos and edit them with MS Paint to show him.
Attached Thumbnails Steering wheel making noise when turning-steeringrack3.jpg   Steering wheel making noise when turning-img_0906.jpg  
Old 01-29-10 | 11:05 AM
  #10  
salimshah's Avatar
salimshah
Moderator
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 15,704
Likes: 1,120
From: Austin, TX
Default

Originally Posted by JOHNBRAY11
Yes it does sound like its around the steering wheel. So i should spray some lube around where the firewall is? Dont have to remove anything right? Just trying to get a picture of where exactly i need to spray Lube. Thanks again for all the help.
There is atleast 3 feet of distance between the steering wheel and the shaft exit point (firewall). Steering wheel noise is typically the 2 plastic half shells around the wheel. Determine the source of sound and then address it. The half shells scrape the wheel if they are not assembled properly and there can be something wrong inside too. The exit point issue is simply lack of lubrication or the lube drying off.

Shot gun approach is typically a desperate move. Investigate!

Salim
Old 06-27-10 | 06:16 PM
  #11  
Barnacules's Avatar
Barnacules
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: WA
Default

Originally Posted by bob2200
This is a common noise. It is the steering column rubbing against the plastic/rubber seal at the firewall. Lubing with grease or spraying with silicone should help.
Dude... You are forum Jesus to me! I have had my RX300 for over 5 years and it has made this sound since day 1 and has got worse over the years. I found this forum because I wanted to finally post a video I took of the problem to see if someone found out what the heck was going on. Without even posting the video I found your suggestion and went out and sprayed it with WD40 right under the steering wheel and after 2 turns... BOOM!... Noise gone, nice a quiet. Man I wish I had of found this forum 5 years ago Here is the video incase anyone else needs to understand what noise this solution solves.

Old 06-29-10 | 08:49 PM
  #12  
yeuemhoai's Avatar
yeuemhoai
Rookie
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
Default

This is where I put silicon spray and the noise has come back after 3 years.
Attached Thumbnails Steering wheel making noise when turning-img_0906.jpg  
Old 04-08-11 | 09:56 PM
  #13  
thug9030's Avatar
thug9030
Pit Crew
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 23
From: PA
Default

So is there a gap I should be spraying that in. Or am I'm just spraying all over the pipe.
Old 04-09-11 | 06:10 AM
  #14  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Lexus Test Driver
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,700
Likes: 92
From: NJ
Default

Spray at the end of the steering column, where you see the spindles.
Old 04-09-11 | 09:22 PM
  #15  
thug9030's Avatar
thug9030
Pit Crew
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 217
Likes: 23
From: PA
Default

Thanks hyper


Quick Reply: Steering wheel making noise when turning



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 05:40 AM.