I recently noticed an odd noise when turning my steering wheel (I can feel it through the steering wheel as well). It almost sounds like something is very briefly sticking or binding up. It only happens at very low speeds or when stopped and it also appears to be intermittent. It sounds like it is coming from the steering wheel itself or something behind it (clock spring maybe?).

I made a video since it is difficult to describe:


The car is completely stock.

Any ideas what it could be?

 

I cannot tell which of the noises you are talking about

 

It almost sounds like a click in the video. It first happens around 0:07 (then at 0:12 and a few more times around 0:16-0:18). You might have to turn the volume up a bit to hear it better.

I haven't noticed it for a while though. Before it seemed to happen when the car sat for a few hours (usually in the garage) after being driven and I went to drive it again. When it sat outside overnight it would be barely noticeable (or not at all). It's gotten colder here lately so I'm not sure if it is temperature related or what.

 

Might be the clock spring or the black plastic covers rubbing against the steering wheel the ones that cover around Ignition area.
Just a thought..

 

Thanks, I think I checked the plastic in that area (watched for contact while turning the wheel) but it's been a while and I can't remember so I'll have to check again.

I've actually only noticed it once since I first posted about it, so I'll probably just wait and look into it more if/when it starts happening again.

 

Mine does the same. It only happens when is cold. Haven't bothered to look into, but is probably some joint that gets no lubrication (cv joint/boot) my guess. Goes away as the car warms up