Steering column "squeak" and vibration. What to replace in upper column

[txtorquemade]

Ok. I just replaced all front end suspension items, CA, FCABs, sway links, tie rods, struts, strut mounts, etc. I still have a nasty vibration in the steering wheel and noises coming from the column itself. A sort of squeak when I turn slowly at slow speed.

The steering coupling is going to be replaced, but Im wondering are there any parts, bushings, etc. in the upper part of the column which needs replacing. Ive looked at RealOEM diagrams and seems there is a plastic bushing, and some other potential culprits for my noise, vibrations issues.

Any ideas????

Thanks!!

[txtorquemade]

No one...really?

No know has an idea how to or if you can drop the steering column??

[gearheadE30]

Dropping the column is kind of a bitch. Squeak is probably either the horn slip ring or the column bushing. Vibration could be a few things....what conditions cause the vibration? Brakes, cornering, speed??

[txtorquemade]

Dropping the column is kind of a bitch. Squeak is probably either the horn slip ring or the column bushing. Vibration could be a few things....what conditions cause the vibration? Brakes, cornering, speed??

The vibration is probably mostly the steering coupling, lower. The upper seems to vibrate also and the squeak just started couple of days ago. Only at slow speed turning fairly sharply. Nothing changes braking, does not seem to be speed related.

Im kinda stumped, and pissed cause my new suspension is actually sounding worse than it was. (although it rides much better)

[CarsSuck]

the squeak is the horn ring, most likely. Remove wheel, add grease.

I suspect the lower coupling on my own car has taken a shit as well. The symptoms are clunking at low speed and high turning angles, and a shimmy at speed, along with a nice fat dead spot on center. I have new bushings, bearings, ball joints as well so I suspect the lower coupling.

Last i checked it was like $230 from the dealer.

[txtorquemade]

the squeak is the horn ring, most likely. Remove wheel, add grease.

I suspect the lower coupling on my own car has taken a shit as well. The symptoms are clunking at low speed and high turning angles, and a shimmy at speed, along with a nice fat dead spot on center. I have new bushings, bearings, ball joints as well so I suspect the lower coupling.

Last i checked it was like $230 from the dealer.

Ive seen the steering coupling for 126.00 on one of the forum sponsors sites. I think at Pelican its 138 or something.

I have all new front sus components that you mention as well. Less than 2 weeks old. I hope it only the coupling, not the entire rack that needs replacing.

Ill try the horn ring. Im thinking of changing steering wheels to a M Tech I soon anyway. But, the shimmy feels like its under the dash, not lower at the coupling. Im going replace it and hope that takes care of the shimmy.