CivicRider

Hi, I have civic Lx 2001 142000 miles. Starting this winter ,4 months ago, my steering wheel started making squeaking sound while turning. sound comes from the base of steering near firewall. It is not/barely noticeable while driving on road. But when I am in my parking plaza where only I am turning, it becomes very loud. No sound while driving straight. If i ask someone to turn wheels while I open the hood and try to listen sound, I am not able to hear sound may be due to engine noise. Power steering fluid is full. Sound is more when steering wheel is turned to maximum. No sound if it is turned and stopped at max left or right e.g driving in sharp circle round and round.
any ideas what it could be ??

lazlong

It's normal in cold weather for the system to make noises, especially when parked. If there's no driveability problems don't worry about it.

CivicRider

Its about 2 months now. That noise is still there. No problems in driveability whatsoever. But still it is annoying. I shot a video in my calm parking lot. May be someone experienced this problem and reached a solution.
[autostream]http://autostream.com/ibcivicforums/?page_type=firebirdplayerthumbnail&framepage=143&t ransactionid=1307955110-2422888105&posted_by=CivicRider_www.civicforums.co m&youtube_video_id=nKdp4yOK-VU[/autostream]
thanks

lowlife9

what color is the fluid in the power steering reservoir ??? when is the last time you changed the fluid ???

CivicRider

Steering fluid was replaced september 2010 by a local mechanic shop as part of routine maintenance. No issues back then. they used supertech (walmart brand ).

lazlong

Have you actually looked under there while someone turns the wheel? Sounds like rubber rubbing. There's a rubber boot going through the firewall where the rack mates to the steering shaft. I don't envy you if it is.

lowlife9

there's your problem going that long with walmart fluid only use honda power steering fluid the damage is probably already done i would replace the fluid ASAP.

lazlong

Totally missed that.

Might be ok if you change back to Honda brand. If the seals are shot though, then it's time to rebuild the steering rack.

CivicRider

I tried looking under there while someone turned the steering wheel. there is no sound from engine bay or from steering boot area. Even after multiple tries, i was not able to hear this rubbing sound from outside, either wheels on ground or jacked up, or engine running or stopped. This sound only comes from inside the car.
I will change fluid back to Honda one this weekend.

TDC2001civic

your steering rack is fine that sound is coming from the inside of the car, and the rubber grommet between the firewall would not make that sound. Have you recently cleaned/or spilled something there that could have stripped away lubrication. i suggest popping steering wheel off and taking a look.