Noise in the steering column

[rgafitanu@gmail.com]

I have this noise in the steering column. It is present all the time, while driving or not. I disassembled the steering wheel, horn ring, the bearing with its housing and the noise is still present. Is there another bearing holding the steering shaft where it exits the column that can be the source?

Thank you

[wwheeler]

Maybe steering column lock?

[mBdrvr]

I had a clicking noise in the steering column when turning.

It was a loose bolt that holds the steering box to the fender.

[waltklatt]

Radu,
Maybe you can do a process of elimination to narrow down the noise.
Remove turn signal, horn, steering wheel(pliers to column to turn).
Raise front end off ground to turn(maybe some joint is noisy).
Walter

[rgafitanu@gmail.com]

I got the steering wheel, horn ring, bearing and its housing and the signal switch out and the noise is still there. Next is the steering lock which is a PITA because I have to remove the instruments. I was wondering if there is another bearing at the bottom exit of the steering column.

Radu

[mrfatboy]

Try using a mechanics stethoscope if you have one and localize the noise. I think Harbor freight sells them for $4

[Benz Dr.]

This is a hard one to find because you won't think of looking for it in the problem area it's confined to. There's a cone or cover at the bottom of the column held in place by several 6mm screws. If the cover isn't perfectly straight the coupling on the end of the steering shaft will rub against the column. Actually, it's the hex head socket screw that will rub against the inside of the column producing a droning noise as you turn your steering wheel. If that's the noise you have then this is likely your problem.

[waltklatt]

Radu,
You can further eliminate potential noise makers by disconnecting the tie rod to left wheel and the crossover bar to the right tie rod to isolate the steeringbox.
If noise is still there, then you nave narrowed it to the steeringbox or shaft base.
Walter

[rgafitanu@gmail.com]

I got under the car and checked again. The noise doesn't come from the linkages and the coupling rotates without touching anything. I removed the steering wheel, horn ring and bearing support again. I could see clearly the steering lock pin engaging and disengaging and not dragging on the shaft. Further down there appears to be a metal baffle and I could not see beyond it with a flashlight. It feels/sound like the shaft is rubbing against a piece of rubber (see attached clip). Is there anything beyond that sheet metal plate?

[wwheeler]

I have heard the steering shaft make a squeaky noise when rubbing on the lower seal. That has happened on both my W111 and W128. Just put a little heavy oil and it went away. I didn't think the noise sounded like that, but doesn't hurt to try.

[rgafitanu@gmail.com]

Thank you Wallace, is it item 592 on the attached? Is it in the cabin or in the engine bay?

[wwheeler]

If #592 is a seal (boot), then yes, that is where my squeak was coming from. The seal on the W128 car was different, but same location.