06 Equinox Steering Squeak

eqowner · October 15, 2009

We recently bought a 2006 Equinox LT2 with about 25k miles. The steering squeaks when the wheel is turned to the left. It seems to be coming from either the column or the steering wheel itself - I had someone turn the wheel while I was under the hood and I could not hear anything. Also, it doesn't matter if the Equinox is moving or if the engine is running - it still squeaks. I have searched the internet and found some issues with the Saturn Vue where the column needed to be lubed at the rubber gromet in the floorboard. I tried this and it had no effect. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Nytemare · October 15, 2009

This has been happening in Chevy for years now. There's a bearing and rubber sleeve in the wheel that gets dried out and starts squeaking after about 1-2 years of driving. You can have them look at it and re-grease...that usually works for 6 months or so...or you can turn up the radio.

eqowner · October 15, 2009

Thank you for the reply. Is this something I can do myself? I don't want to touch anything around the airbag. The radio option is a good idea but this squeak is so annoying I can hear it through almost anything - like fingernails on a chalkboard. Thanks again.

Nytemare · October 15, 2009

It is doable your self...but you have to remove the steering wheel...which means screwing with the airbag.

Basically, you remove the wheel and grease the shaft, the bearing inside the wheel, use some red ep grease, and the little plastic/rubber collar on the base of the shaft...this one has to be lubed with o-ring lube.

But its an 06...so it should be under warranty.

eqowner · October 19, 2009

The inservice date was January of 2006 so it's not covered. I guess I'll just live with it for now since it's just a nuisance. Thank you.

Nytemare · October 19, 2009

It will come and go, if its warm out it will squeak more due to expansion of the rubber/plastic seal.

I usually spray a little dash shine (what ever you use, armor-all, etc) in behind the wheel and it seems to help a little.

eqowner · October 20, 2009

That's worth a shot. Do you remove any of the trim around the wheel or just spray into the small space between the wheel and the column?

Nytemare · October 20, 2009

That's worth a shot. Do you remove any of the trim around the wheel or just spray into the small space between the wheel and the column?

I just spray it between the colum and the wheel.

eqowner · October 23, 2009

That's worth a shot. Do you remove any of the trim around the wheel or just spray into the small space between the wheel and the column?

I just spray it between the colum and the wheel.

That seemed to help after I found some time to try it. There is still some squeaking but it's not as bad. I'll spray it again to see if it reduces it more. At least I can live with it now. Thanks.