Noise behind steering wheel

[woodman]

My124 wagon has developed a noise. It sounds like creeking coming from behind the steering wheel when turned either direction. Any idea’s?

 

[gsxr]

If it's coming from inside the steering wheel, behind the airbag, try tightening all the Torx fasteners inside which attach the airbag mounting hardware to the wheel itself. These come loose over time. You'll need to remove the airbag to do this, disconnect the red electrical plug below the passenger footwell before attempting.

If the noise is from further down the steering column, that will be harder to pinpoint.

 

[woodman]

If it's coming from inside the steering wheel, behind the airbag, try tightening all the Torx fasteners inside which attach the airbag mounting hardware to the wheel itself. These come loose over time. You'll need to remove the airbag to do this, disconnect the red electrical plug below the passenger footwell before attempting.

If the noise is from further down the steering column, that will be harder to pinpoint.

 

[woodman]

It seams like it right on top. Does the wheel need to come off?

 

[emerydc8]

FWIW, I have had this problem for about ten years and could never figure out where the creaking came from. I just ignore it. The only time I hear it is when I'm driving at slow speeds and making a sharp turn, like in a parking lot.

 

[nocfn]

I had this in my SEC. Using the the telescopic controls helped me pinpoint the issue and it was actually insulation from the wiring of the combo switch had flaked off where the outer sheath had exposed the inner wires. There wasn't any copper yet but it was rubbing off. But the airbag attachment bracket does get loose on the wheel itself. Removal covers itself as you will tighten it down but not a bad idea to be sure the bracket is tight under the airbag as GSXR suggests.

 

[gsxr]

It seams like it right on top. Does the wheel need to come off?

Nope, no need to remove the steering wheel to tighten the internal hardware. Only remove the airbag, and the various Torx-head screws are visible. They should all be tight, if any are loose, that MIGHT be the source of the noise. If they are all tight, you'll have to keep looking.