Squeak when turning wheel...

**jaustin** · 05-05-2008 07:33 AM

Well the other day I was driving in the rain all day long and the day before that I drove on and off in the rain and now I have a squeak when I turn the wheel either to the left or the right. I'm not sure if thats because of the rain or not but the belly pain isnt on the car right now so... maybe something got wet that shouldnt have???

Either way anyone have any ideas? Easy quick lube fix?

Thanks

**alecmcnaughton** · 05-05-2008 08:46 AM

May be your switch assembly is too close to wheel. Unscrew 2 long screws in bottom cover behind wheel that screw up into top cover, remove top cover by pulling straight out with wheel positioned out and down. You will find a collar around switch assembly with metric hex screw. Loosen screw and push switch assemble toward dash a little. Take it for a test ride. It's trial and error.

1999 A4 B5
stock
bought new
90K

**jaustin** · 05-06-2008 12:08 PM

This is a noise from outside the car...

are you talking about inside the car?

**onemoremile** · 05-06-2008 02:44 PM

A squeak there is usually a tie rod end.

**djwimbo** · 05-06-2008 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by onemoremile

A squeak there is usually a tie rod end.

That or any one of the other 8 balljoints in the front.

If it's coming from inside, chek the boot at the bulkhead/firewall where the steering shaft goes through it. Lube it with some silicone paste.

If it's outside, get a buddy, a garage and some time to try and find it. Have him steer the wheel back and forth while you listen around under the car and in the wheelwells.

EDIT: if there are any torn Ball joint or Tie Rod boots, that would be the first place to look.

**jaustin** · 05-07-2008 08:50 AM

Okay,

I'll have to check but it sounds like its coming from both sides on the outside.

**djwimbo** · 05-07-2008 10:49 AM

My uncle's B5.5 Passat just got some new upper ball joints due to the same issue.

Good luck.

**jaustin** · 05-07-2008 06:29 PM

can I grease them or something so they are not so loud until I can get it in?

I'm not 100% if thats the issue yet or not.

**baboom** · 05-07-2008 07:58 PM

most likely seized tie rods it's not that uncommon to happen.. the stealership will charge like 700! is the steering wheel hard to turn??

**djwimbo** · 05-07-2008 10:54 PM

Originally Posted by jaustin

can I grease them or something so they are not so loud until I can get it in?

I'm not 100% if thats the issue yet or not.

Before I say/type this, this is not a recommended practice.
If you KNOW(and I mean absolutely KNOW) what part is making the noise, you can get a syringe type grease tip for a grease gun and put more grease in to try and temporarily fix the problem. Then ASAP replace the known failed part.
Like I said, it's not recommended, but it can work.