HowTo Fix Clunking Noise in Steering Wheel
#1
HowTo Fix Clunking Noise in Steering Wheel
As some of you may know, when you go over bumps or rough road surface, you hear a clunking noise which sounds like metal to metal contact in your steering wheel. This thread will show you how to fix the problem.
Tools Needed:
- Ratchet with 10mm and long 19mm (6 point)
- Phillip screwdriver
- T50 Torx bit with ratchet adapter
- Rubber Squeegee from Body Shop
- Yellow adhesive glue
- Tissue with rubbing alcohol
Step 1: Disconnect both positive and negative from battery 10mm (I take no chances with air bags)
Step 2: Remove left side cover
Step 3: Remove right side cruise control cover
Step 4: Remove both air bag screws with T50 Torx bit.
Step 5: Slide air bag forward and disconnect air bag harness.
Step 6: Remove both phillp screws shown along with steering wheel nut 19mm. Lift the piece out.
Step 7: Pre-fit rubber squeegee and mark where to cut as I have done with the red lines.
Step 8: Cut piece off on a flat surface. Clean metal surface and rubber with tissue wuth rubbing alcohol.
Tools Needed:
- Ratchet with 10mm and long 19mm (6 point)
- Phillip screwdriver
- T50 Torx bit with ratchet adapter
- Rubber Squeegee from Body Shop
- Yellow adhesive glue
- Tissue with rubbing alcohol
Step 1: Disconnect both positive and negative from battery 10mm (I take no chances with air bags)
Step 2: Remove left side cover
Step 3: Remove right side cruise control cover
Step 4: Remove both air bag screws with T50 Torx bit.
Step 5: Slide air bag forward and disconnect air bag harness.
Step 6: Remove both phillp screws shown along with steering wheel nut 19mm. Lift the piece out.
Step 7: Pre-fit rubber squeegee and mark where to cut as I have done with the red lines.
Step 8: Cut piece off on a flat surface. Clean metal surface and rubber with tissue wuth rubbing alcohol.
#2
Step 9: Apply adhesive to metal surface and allow a few minutes to dry some but not completely.
Step 10: Place rubber on surface and hold for a few minutes for it to dry and stay in place.
Step 11: Reinstall piece and this should be your finished product.
Reinstall air bad and covers and take for a test drive. Should not hear anything from steering wheel again.
Now onto some of the other annoying noises....
Step 10: Place rubber on surface and hold for a few minutes for it to dry and stay in place.
Step 11: Reinstall piece and this should be your finished product.
Reinstall air bad and covers and take for a test drive. Should not hear anything from steering wheel again.
Now onto some of the other annoying noises....
#7
#8
I thought I was the only one with this problem. It sounds like a "clinking" noise, right? Mine's been making noise for like 3 years now and hasn't gotten any worse. I've considered replacing the steering column, but that's looking like a $700 job, so I won't be doing that. For an hour or so labor this seems like a reasonable method of covering up the noise, although it doesn't look like it actually fixes what is causing the pinging noise in the first place. I may be installing a smaller diameter steering wheel, so when I'm in there I will look around for the root of the problem. Thanks for the info!
#9
I thought I was the only one with this problem. It sounds like a "clinking" noise, right? Mine's been making noise for like 3 years now and hasn't gotten any worse. I've considered replacing the steering column, but that's looking like a $700 job, so I won't be doing that. For an hour or so labor this seems like a reasonable method of covering up the noise, although it doesn't look like it actually fixes what is causing the pinging noise in the first place. I may be installing a smaller diameter steering wheel, so when I'm in there I will look around for the root of the problem. Thanks for the info!
#10
That is the problem. That metal piece has three small rubber legs that wear out with time and get brittle. Once it gets to this state, that metal piece hits the center screw going over bumps. Once you remove the airbag, try pushing it down with your finger to see if it makes contact. If so, that is the noise you are hearing.
#12
#13
OK I thought it might be turn signal interupter but i guess its in the wrong place for that.
#14
Nissan calls that part a dynamic damper. under certain conditions the steering wheel could vibrate and by adding some weight (the damper) vibrations are prevented or stopped. Nissan is not unique in doing this. I know that hondas and subarus have one, even Catepillar tractors have them!
#17
According to pmohr, he doesn't feel any difference but I left mine in there.
#18
Yes the 2000 has one. See page ST-10, it is part # 2. Page ST-11 shows the removal.
If you don't have a manual, get one here -
http://www.aubreyandcharles.com/ServiceManuals/
or here -
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/
If you don't have a manual, get one here -
http://www.aubreyandcharles.com/ServiceManuals/
or here -
http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/maxima/
#19
I agree with everything from steps 1-5. However, steps 6-11 are not necessary. Instead, all you have to do is get some felt tape from Home Depot. It's felt on one side and adhesive on the other. Then just tape it on one of the metal pieces without having to remove everything and gluing anything on. The fix is way easier that way.
#20
That's true, but Trini's fix using the "squeegee" is a longer lasting fix. Since the noise is a metal piece pounding on another piece, the thicker, tougher the material, the longer it will last.
#21
Yeah, I suppose if you're thinking of keeping your Maxima for hundreds of years it may matter whether rubber would disintegrate faster than heavy duty felt:
But for those of us who don't plan on being Buck Rogers, it's not going to matter.
#22
I followed your instruction about fixing this noise over the weekend and everything you mention is accurate to a tee. Applied a piece of squeegee, replaced the parts, and let the glue dry for an hour than came back and banged on the steering wheel a few times and there is no sound. Same thing when I took it for a quick spin and rode over a few bumps. Thank you very much
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