"Scratchy" noise coming from steering column/wheel when it is cold (1 Viewer)

[SoCal_80]

OK, i checked the threads and really did not find any help, so here it goes. This "scratchy" noise started about a month ago when it is cold out and I turn the steering wheel. It is kinda a plastic rubbing against plastic sorta noise coming from inside the cab right at the steering wheel. It goes away after driving for a few minutes.....

Any ideas on what it is and how to fix ?
Thanks in advance!

 

[Romer]

Search on clock spring. Mine is more of a squeak. Not sure if the 93 has the same setup though. I just live with it.

 

[KliersLC]

The clock spring is on the 95-97 models

the 93-94 has a horn contact in there that needs occasional lube.

A search on this would reveal quite a bit, but the long and short of it is to spray your lube of choice sparingly into the crack and voila!

 

[nicholas]

Mine is a squeak too. I'll have to search for the clock spring.

 

[Skillet]

Mine does it too. I never messed with it.

I am going to have my steering wheel re-leathered and I will deal with it then.

 

[SoCal_80]

The clock spring is on the 95-97 models

the 93-94 has a horn contact in there that needs occasional lube.

A search on this would reveal quite a bit, but the long and short of it is to spray your lube of choice sparingly into the crack and voila!

Thanks! I am assuming I need to spray between the crack of the steering wheel and the steering column ? Thanks again!

 

[KliersLC]

Thanks! I am assuming I need to spray between the crack of the steering wheel and the steering column ? Thanks again!

Yup, I don't remember what position that contact is at, but peek in there with a flashlight and you will see it.

 

[cruiserdan]

The "correct" procedure for the 91-94 models is to remove the steering wheel and clean off the brass contact ring on the back side of the wheel. Also clean off the contact pin in the turn signal switch. Next put a swipe of wheel bearing grease on the contact ring and a dab on the pin, reassemble.

In some cases the pin will be worn down to a point where it has poor or possibly no contact. Repalcement pins are available. 84312-20011.

 

[othater]

Since I have a broken clam shell I was able to see the contact and use some lithium grease on the contact and that seemed to have worked.

 

[eurorom]

The "correct" procedure for the 91-94 models is to remove the steering wheel and clean off the brass contact ring on the back side of the wheel. Also clean off the contact pin in the turn signal switch. Next put a swipe of wheel bearing grease on the contact ring and a dab on the pin, reassemble.

In some cases the pin will be worn down to a point where it has poor or possibly no contact. Repalcement pins are available. 84312-20011.

How about on thr 97" how do you fix the noise when is cold?

 

[cruiserdan]

You buy a new clockspring. Also called a spiral cable.

They list for ~275 bucks.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

My FJ62 suffers from this. Is the fix the same? It's annoying but not $275 worth of annoying.

 

[super90]

I just put some sylglide on the end of a long swab (aka Q-tip) and applied to the ring in a couple of places and then exercised the steering wheel. A little goes a long way.

Fixed the problem on my FJ60 and on the FZJ.

 

[SoCal_80]

The "correct" procedure for the 91-94 models is to remove the steering wheel and clean off the brass contact ring on the back side of the wheel. Also clean off the contact pin in the turn signal switch. Next put a swipe of wheel bearing grease on the contact ring and a dab on the pin, reassemble.

In some cases the pin will be worn down to a point where it has poor or possibly no contact. Repalcement pins are available. 84312-20011.

Thank you o'wise one!

 

[cruiserdan]

My FJ62 suffers from this. Is the fix the same? It's annoying but not $275 worth of annoying.

That's the grease fix.

Your 80 is the spendy fix.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

That's the grease fix.

Your 80 is the spendy fix.

Thanks Dan. I'll do that after SNT. Appreciate you getting that radiator hose headed my way on short notice.

 

[nicholas]

I need to look at the steering components to look at this "clock spring", but until I do I was wondering if a worn out clock spring could cause steering failure or pose any danger and or more expensive repairs down the line if one does not fork out the $275 for a new one.

 

[bruff]

Search "squeaky steering wheel" here in this 80 section. Found a quick and cheap fix for mine. Fixed it 6 weeks ago with a little dielectric grease and even with the weather getting colder (30 F) no squeak evident.

Brad

 

[cruiserdan]

The "clockspring" is a fancy coiled wire assembly that carries the conductors for the airbag, horn and cruise switch.

 

[super90]

This is one of those few times where not having an airbag is a good thing !