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Friction noise in steering wheel

1725 Views 9 Replies 7 Participants Last post by  p07r0457
We got our 2018 QX30 AWD in August, and have only used it for small local trips since. It's a wonderful car, very happy with it! This past weekend we took it for a long trip ~1500 miles! I noticed in about the last 50 miles an intermittent clicking that I could feel through the steering wheel. Today, when I had some time, I investigated further, and I think it's coming from something rubbing in between the steering wheel and the steering column controls. It's a slight friction "click" as you turn the wheel in either direction past top dead center, like something on the upper surface of the steering column has some friction that shouldn't be happening. The sound isn't loud, but I can clearly feel the vibration through the steering wheel. If you turn the wheel slowly when the car isn't moving, you can feel the resistance as you pass through that point. When driving in a straight line, since a lot of the micro movements of the steering wheel are quick adjustments either side of center, it manifests more as a click.
Is this something I should try to address myself? Or should I run it into the dealer? Has anyone encountered this?
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We had something very similiar happen and we went to the dealer. It turned out that the floor mat had slid forward and was lightly hitting the steering column, so I would start by checking this first.
We had something very similiar happen and we went to the dealer. It turned out that the floor mat had slid forward and was lightly hitting the steering column, so I would start by checking this first.
What a strange cause! :) Thanks for the heads-up, I'll check that as soon as I get a chance.
What a strange cause! :) Thanks for the heads-up, I'll check that as soon as I get a chance.
Well, I checked the floor mat, but it's in the correct place, so no joy there. Good thought, though! I put my ear close to the steering wheel and moved the wheel back and forth, and it really seems like something is binding very slightly as the wheel crosses back and forth either side of top dead center. It's maybe something inside the control assembly. Anyway, I may take it in to the dealer, have them take a look at it. Thanks for the input, though.
Could be clock spring or commutator. Without seeing/hearing it, it's hard to say. Troubleshooting may involve removing the steering wheel... so if you're not comfortable with that, it's "dealer time".
We got our 2018 QX30 AWD in August, and have only used it for small local trips since. It's a wonderful car, very happy with it! This past weekend we took it for a long trip ~1500 miles! I noticed in about the last 50 miles an intermittent clicking that I could feel through the steering wheel. Today, when I had some time, I investigated further, and I think it's coming from something rubbing in between the steering wheel and the steering column controls. It's a slight friction "click" as you turn the wheel in either direction past top dead center, like something on the upper surface of the steering column has some friction that shouldn't be happening. The sound isn't loud, but I can clearly feel the vibration through the steering wheel. If you turn the wheel slowly when the car isn't moving, you can feel the resistance as you pass through that point. When driving in a straight line, since a lot of the micro movements of the steering wheel are quick adjustments either side of center, it manifests more as a click.
Is this something I should try to address myself? Or should I run it into the dealer? Has anyone encountered this?
Please be aware that there is a recall that was released having something to do with the steering column. Check with your local dealer. I have not taken mine in for repair yet but was advised that they did issue a recall.
To be on the safe side, check with the dealer. I got a recall notice concerning a defective part in the steering column. It advises to take the vehicle to the dealer if you experience symptoms similar to what you describe. Apparently, there are no replacement parts available, but you may be eligible for a loaner if your vehicle is part of the recall.
We got our 2018 QX30 AWD in August, and have only used it for small local trips since. It's a wonderful car, very happy with it! This past weekend we took it for a long trip ~1500 miles! I noticed in about the last 50 miles an intermittent clicking that I could feel through the steering wheel. Today, when I had some time, I investigated further, and I think it's coming from something rubbing in between the steering wheel and the steering column controls. It's a slight friction "click" as you turn the wheel in either direction past top dead center, like something on the upper surface of the steering column has some friction that shouldn't be happening. The sound isn't loud, but I can clearly feel the vibration through the steering wheel. If you turn the wheel slowly when the car isn't moving, you can feel the resistance as you pass through that point. When driving in a straight line, since a lot of the micro movements of the steering wheel are quick adjustments either side of center, it manifests more as a click.
Is this something I should try to address myself? Or should I run it into the dealer? Has anyone encountered this?
I think this was a clock spring recall a couple years back,there is a new recall dealing with the steering knuckle.Check with the dealer on this one.
i have a similar problem. i have a 2017 qx30, but apparently my Vin# model is rare as is has mercedes Benz engine & fabrications etc. So seems like some of the recalls dont apply to me. The airbag light came on and a notification message on my screen says "front left malfunction service required". i called Infintiy made apt. b/c i was soon due for oil change. They did a diagnostic said it was the auxillary battery and replaced it. i left with light on to be told they couldnt diagnose it i have to bring it back for further diagnostic. ( whole other story). They scheduled apt. for pickup and loaner for 2 weeks out & said its safe to drive. 1 week past and yesterday i hear a pop in my steering wheel as i turned my wheel at a slow speed. Now i get another message on my screen "Lane departure warning unavailable" and my steering wheel controls do not work. 1 week to go to see what they come up with. PS im super mad about this situation. very disappointed in he infinity service dept. ( consumer affairs also has this case)
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i have a 2017 qx30, but apparently my Vin# model is rare as is has Mercedes Benz engine & fabrications etc.
That isn't rare -- that's just what the QX30 is. Infiniti licensed the Mercedes X156 platform and M270 engine. These cars are basically Mercedes GLA from a mechanical and low-level electrical perspective, with Infiniti styling and infotainment grafted on.
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