Creaking steering column

Front axle, springs, shock absorbers, wheels, bearings, calipers, drums...
Tuning: suspension, discs, alloys upgrade...
NO parts requests here, please use our V3M BUY & SELL corner
Post Reply
johnefrench
Posts: 7
Joined: 04 Nov 2012 01:09 am

Creaking steering column

Post by johnefrench » 17 Feb 2013 06:30 pm

My 1986 340 has just started making a creaking noise in the steering column. The noise is getting progressively louder, although the steering feels the same. There is no play or slackness only a creaking sound. Does anyone know what could have cause this noise and how it could be fixed. The car has been carrying some heavy loads recently which is probably a contributing factor.
I'd be grateful for any help.
Many thanks,
John

User avatar
volvodspec
Posts: 1921
Joined: 06 Dec 2008 09:35 pm
Location: Netherlands.
Contact:

Re: Creaking steering column

Post by volvodspec » 17 Feb 2013 06:51 pm

probably the topmount bearings, or sagged topmounts

User avatar
bogbasic
Posts: 1861
Joined: 21 Nov 2004 10:12 pm
Location: New Malden, Surrey.
Contact:

Re: Creaking steering column

Post by bogbasic » 17 Feb 2013 10:08 pm

Hello, yes, its probbo the rubber things at the top of the struts which are easily visible under the bonnet. If the rubber gets a bit soft, they judder round as you steer. You can bulk them up with a layer of Sikaflex and it stops 'em creaking for a few months and then just repeat the treatment after that whenever you want creak-free steering. Cheers, bogbasic.
1988 340 1.4 GL, 218k, 5 door (Grey Bess). Gone to CBA.
1991 340 1.7 GL, 64k, 5 door, petrol blue (Deep Blue).
1988 360 2.0 GLE, 140k, 5 door, ocean blue metallic (Blue Bess).
1989 340 1.7 GL, 108k, 3 door (Red Ness).
More info here!

volvomania
Posts: 641
Joined: 09 Aug 2005 02:24 pm
Location: Antwerp, Belgium

Re: Creaking steering column

Post by volvomania » 18 Feb 2013 10:14 am

It can also be the bearings that are just under the topmounts.
Life is a journey, so sit back and enjoy the ride!

Born Built Beauties: Parts keeping our cars on the road!

http://www.Born-Built-Beauties.eu

johnefrench
Posts: 7
Joined: 04 Nov 2012 01:09 am

Re: Creaking steering column

Post by johnefrench » 19 Feb 2013 05:19 pm

Many thanks for all of your help. I will look into it.
J.

User avatar
Chris_C
*** V3M DONOR ***
Posts: 9600
Joined: 18 Jun 2004 11:53 pm
Location: South Coast, UK

Re: Creaking steering column

Post by Chris_C » 19 Feb 2013 06:09 pm

Be wary of the top mount bearings, the seat collapses and the longer it's left the worse it'll become, it's not a place anyone ever checks
Mine went from this
Image
Image
To this is 4 months (note the total collapse of bearing seat and wear from the spring)
Image
Image
They should look like this (only more black, but white shows you what you are looking for, they are what become the black ones in the above pics. The hairline cracks are where they had to be recovered from a "worn but salvagable" set that had broken around it's spot welds, these were seam welded to give that strength back without creating a high point for the bearing to have to deal with)
Image
Image
'89(G) 340 GLE B172k
'03 S60 D5 SE, '91 (J) MX5, 1954 Cyclemaster
Ex:
'89(F) 340 GL F7R (ex B172k) - Fake -> SBKV 300 Runner Up 08, 12; '91(H) 340 GL B14.4E - Kar; '88(F) 360 GLT B200E - Jet -> BKV 300 Runner Up 09; '89(G) 360 GLT B200E - Beast

Post Reply