[finndriver]

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?

 

[alexmed2002]

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.

 

[finndriver]

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.

 

[finndriver]

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.

 

[p07r0457]

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".

 

[Stacy M.]

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.

 

[Noah821]

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.

 

[QX30Bob]

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.