Steering Squeak Fix

[bobcowan]

Lately, my car has developed this really annoying squeak whenever you turn the steering wheel. Sounds like rubber on metal. Drives me nuts! I tried adding lube here and there. Even trimmed down the plastic shroud and removed the horn connections. Nothing seemed to fix it. Yesterday I removed the column to find it.

The central steering shaft rides on two aluminum bushings pressed on to each end. The steering wheel end also has a plastic bit covering the bushing. I pulled the front bushing out a little and lubed both of them with some high pressure wheel bearings grease.

Then I found the real problem. Just behind the dash, this is what secures the steering column to the car.


Pretty simple assembly. A muffler clamp with a plastic bushing.


Here's the real problem, and the cause of the squeaking.


I considered calling on Monday and ordering another one. Might as well order two, because in another 10K miles I'll be doing this job again.

Then I decided on a permanent fix. Started out with a small piece of billit aluminum.


Drilled a couple of holes through the edge


And cut a 1 1/4" hole in the middle.


Then cut the whole thing in half with a hack saw.