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Steering wheel creak noise

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by WIwhale, Jan 13, 2024.

  1. Jan 13, 2024 at 7:36 PM
    #1
    WIwhale

    WIwhale [OP] New Member

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    I have a creaking noise coming from steering wheel. Sound seems to be from inside the car right at the steering wheel. It only happens on left turns and only when the wheel is returning to straight. No sounds going into the left turn.

    It’s been happening pretty much since I got it new. Seems to be about 75% of the time I turn it happens. 2021 currently 45,000 miles.

    Anyone ever come across that before? Thanks, Matt
     
    raimieb likes this.
  2. Jan 13, 2024 at 7:39 PM
    #2
    raimieb

    raimieb Hobby Mechanic - Love Our 4Runner!

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    Lots…
    Me too! I always thought it was the clock spring. Not sure but drives me nuts.
     
  3. Jan 13, 2024 at 7:56 PM
    #3
    Mass4runner

    Mass4runner New Member

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    Does it only happen when the directional signal is being used? I've had something similar but it's somehow related to using the directional as it never happens if I turn the wheel without signalling.
     
  4. Jan 13, 2024 at 8:04 PM
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    WIwhale

    WIwhale [OP] New Member

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    Yeah, its pretty annoying. I can live with it if its not hurting anything and don't really want to spend a bunch if not needed.

    Happens regardless of turning signal used or not. Ill pay more attention to see if there is any pattern.
     
  5. Jan 15, 2024 at 12:13 PM
    #5
    catbrown357

    catbrown357 New Member

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    Turn up the volume on the radio and ignore it. My 2011 has been doing it for years.
     
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  6. Jan 15, 2024 at 12:33 PM
    #6
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

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    Spray some silicone at the contact points/bushings where the steering shaft enters the firewall.
     
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  7. Jan 15, 2024 at 1:18 PM
    #7
    raimieb

    raimieb Hobby Mechanic - Love Our 4Runner!

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    Lots…
    How does one access that?
     
  8. Jan 15, 2024 at 1:26 PM
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    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

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    Just look under steering wheel. Follow shaft to firewall. Keep rag to stop it from dripping when you spray bushings.
     
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  9. Jan 15, 2024 at 1:36 PM
    #9
    WIwhale

    WIwhale [OP] New Member

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    Good tip. I will give that a go. I was going to get some silicone lubricant to put on window seal as well.

    Otherwise I will turn up the radio.

    my googling did turn up lots of results from creaking or ticking. Apparently there is a difference which could be clock spring or steering column replacement. Both of which are expensive.
     
  10. Jan 15, 2024 at 1:41 PM
    #10
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

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    This only applies to the rubbing noise coming from the interior. One can also spray the exterior steering shaft u-joints if that's the noise source.
     
  11. Jan 15, 2024 at 6:15 PM
    #11
    Slopemaster

    Slopemaster Slope Survivalist

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    Sub zero temperatures currently in many parts of the country might be a contributing factor to the recent uptick in reported new noises.
     
  12. Jan 24, 2024 at 6:22 AM
    #12
    WIwhale

    WIwhale [OP] New Member

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    After paying closer attention, it does seem to only happen when I use the turning signal. If i turn on the left turn signal and wiggle the wheel a little I can hear it creaking, when I turn off the turning signal and do the same wiggle, no sound at all. I had it documented at the dealer at 20k miles, so hopefully they will work with me.
     
  13. Jan 24, 2024 at 6:44 AM
    #13
    Mass4runner

    Mass4runner New Member

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    Interesting. Please let us know if the dealer can figure out what is going on.
     

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