Noise from steering column while turning wheel

Whofan70 · Post by **Whofan70** » 24 Jun 2011, 11:47

Good Afternoon Folks,

Just registered and first time visitor to this great site. I have a 2008 XC90 3.2 and recently I have noticed this almost 'squealing' noise when I turn the wheel and it's not when I have the wheel turned completely left or right and that noise you get from turning to the max position. I can be when I am parked and back out and turn the wheel slightly from a straight forward position (centered steering wheel). It's almost like that sound you get from turning the wheel all the way to left or right but not exactly. You can slightly feel it in the steering wheel as well when the noise is made.

I have TWICE had my Volvo dealership look at it and try to address the issue but they claim that both times they could not duplicate the noise or issue.

Anyone have a similiar experience? I'm a total amateur when it comes to automobiles but my uneducated guess is that it seems like the vehicle was low on power steering fluid but it's simply not the case.

I have about 4 months before my factory warranty expires and would love to have this addressed before that warranty expires. You would think that the dealership would at least have heard of this but they just give me the "we can't duplicate the scenario" and then I go on my merry way.

Any thoughts or help would be appreciated. Thank you!

Post by **billofdurham** » 25 Jun 2011, 12:42

Welcome to Matthew's Volvo Site.

Does this happen every time or is it intermittent? If it is every time take it back to the dealer and tell them you will demonstrate. They don't like this but it is your car, your warranty and your money if it drags on until the warranty expires. If it is intermittent it is quite possible that they can't duplicate it but perhaps you can as you may be doing something slightly different, so insist on demonstrating it.

Bill.

heidiparr · Post by **heidiparr** » 28 Jun 2011, 16:59

Hello,

I had the same experience with my 2008 3.2l XC90. I took it in to the dealership and they returned it saying they couldn't duplicate the noise I was hearing. That was quite awhile ago and the noise and sensation got progressively worse. Last week I had the entire steering column replaced for $1200 because the upper bearing went out. I have 61,000 miles and am no longer under warranty. When I took my car into the shop, they said it wasn't safe to drive and the steering column was loose. I also found bearings and shavings on my floorboard the day I took it into the shop. Hope this helps!

glenwyatt · Post by **glenwyatt** » 05 Sep 2011, 15:29

I've read about an XC90 owner with a similar experience. The shop replaced a power steering filter and the problem was solved. Apparently the mechanic told this person that this is a common problem...who knows. I'm not sure where this filter is. Keep us posted.

glenwyatt · Post by **glenwyatt** » 05 Sep 2011, 15:32

Here's the link to the problem this other XC90 owner had and the for him/her.

http://forums.swedespeed.com/showthread ... on-whining

ALF · Post by **ALF** » 27 Jan 2013, 17:53

I had a squeek and minor shudder in the steering column of my 2003 XC90 T5 that grew worse month after month. Finally traced it to the large rubber bushing/sleeve that surrounds the metal steering column at its base at the floor of the driver's side just as it goes through the floor board. This bushing and black rubber skirt with 4" spring metal clip is for sound dampening. I pulled away the carpet, and disengaged the 4 inch diameter spring clip at the floor that holds the black rubber skirt to it's floor opening, slid the bushing down the shaft, applied some silicone grease (1 oz at Ace Hardware) to the shaft and re-installed with skirt and spring clip. No more noise, no more shudder. Hope this helps.

cbotd · Post by **cbotd** » 06 Feb 2014, 14:51

I second Alf's comment. I recently had this same experience with my 2005 XC90 2.5T AWD. It had a moaning noise and a slight shudder when turning at slow speeds.

I pulled the carpet, top boot, removed the spring clip and bottom boot. Once removed I popped out the column bearing from the top boot (removing the bottom boot just makes it easier to get to) and cleaned and lubricated it. I also cleaned and lubricated the interior of the rubber boot.

I also took some white lithium grease and lubricated the steering UJoint that is visible when you remove the spring clip and pull up the bottom boot. After plenty of cleaning and lubricating the moan and shudder are gone and the XC is steering very smoothly.

MILLSJE · Post by **MILLSJE** » 20 Jan 2015, 07:18

Is there a video I can refer to for this that someone could post? When I turn my steering wheel I hear a loud rubbery noise. It used to stop when the cold weather hit, but it's -20 now and I can still hear it and it seems to get worse. I now have a 2009 Volvo XC90

Thanks

Post by **ALF1** » 23 Aug 2017, 15:00

I had a similar event on my 2003 XC90 2.5T AWD. The noise was related to the rubbing of the metal steering column shaft against the rubbers sleeve at floor level when you turn the steering wheel. The shaft goes through the sleeve. The Sleeve is located just under the floor mat where the steering column goes through the floor / fire wall to reach the steering mechanism. The sleeve is black (think CV axle boot material) and is held in place by a large spring clamp. Look for it as you remove the carpet. I applied a thin film of silicon grease (a 1 oz tub from Ace Hardware) inside surfaces of the rubber sleeve where they touch the shaft and the noise disappeared.