Hi Everyone,

I have the squeaky steering wheel problem described by others on my '88 S4. Its only noticable at low speeds, mostly parking lot maneuvering, IE backing out, etc.

Is there some lubricant I can use to fix the problem? And get rid of the squeak?

Something I can do without having to remove the steering wheel and tape down the plastic collar on the steering hub? (as described by others on here)

IE silicone spray? KY jelly? Something that wont eat up the plastic?

Thanks
Joe Taylor

 

Joe,
Not sure on a long term fix with lub. Removing the wheel takes all of 8 minutes though.

 

When she squeaks KY is the best thing. Darn it s%&ks to get old.

 

Use some WD 40.

 

You may be able to remove the plastic under-wheel cover to adjust the position of the unit that holds the signal light and wiper stalks so it doesn't rub the wheel.

 

There is a bearing under the wheel Joe. Not sure if it's the culprit but my bearing came apart after 20 years. RW thread: http://reutterwerk.com/forums/showth...+wheel+bearing

 

Its definately, plastic-on-plastic squeaking...

 

Joe - here is your issue, fully discussed. I had the same problem and is now fixed: https://rennlist.com/forums/928-foru...ing-wheel.html

 

Follow Up: I shot a little WD-40 into the area between the steering wheel and the hub and .... no more squeaking steering wheel, yeah! (actually had to shoot some more in there a day later, but the stopped the squeak).

Thanks everyone...

 

ahh your not done
Please remove the lower steering console cover,
then look up and see how flat the metal finger is being pressed.

You will quite possibly have to move the TS switch away from the steering wheel hub otherwise damage to the horn contact will occur and damage both the TSS and the horn ring on the steering wheel
The lower cover is held on with 2 10mm bolts and phillips screw first you have to remove the lower pod trim, the TSS is secured to the steering column with an 8mm bolt.

Also to determine if the upper steering column bearing is going bad,
simply try to move the steering wheel side to side if there is any play then you will need a new upper bearing ,
report back for more info if thats the case

 

its the under wheel column cover . held by the one philips screw and 2 10mm screws on each side. It is set behind the wheels soft plastic body. when both get out of shape it rubs. You may put pressure on it when you tighten it and make the gap. Or take it off and sand off some material so it opens the gap.

 

Do I have to? I got the squeaking stopped and the horn works fine.

 

the steering wheel depth to the TSS should be checked its your call if its too tight then the horn tab will shear off and or the horn ring on the back of the steering wheel will grind off.
a new switch is lots of cash a simple adjustment is free

 

You may have stopped one symptom but not fixed the cause....More likely than not the upper steering bearing is broken and the wheel moved down making it squeak. Now it is riding on the horn contact which it will soon wear through and require that you fit a new turn signal switch.

 

A couple of the pod bolts allow for slight adjustment... my guess is your pod is to close to the wheel and is rubbing.