Squeaking and grinding on the steering column

2000 Chrysler Intrepid.. there is a squeak/grind coming off the steering
column, maybe near the top.. I have heard that there is a spring on the
column that causes this..

Is there an easy fix, because the local Chrysler dealer is talking about
replacing the column..

TIA

 

It's not a spring, but a cable called the clockspring. It's a flat
cable that's wound on edge in such a way to allow the steering wheel to
turn from stop to stop without twisting the wire along its length.

Many times, a dry lubricant can be sprayed in the area the clockspring
resides in to eliminate the chattering of the cable against the housing.

 

clock springs dont squeak and i wouldnt spray anything in the column.

 

Not when new or in good condition, they don't. When they're old and/or
worn and/or damaged, they certainly frequently do.

That's a shame, for it means you'd be unable to fix minor problems
(excessive steering effort due to dry upper-column components, sluggish
turn signal lever return, minor creaks and squeaks) without R&Ring the
column.

-DS (has encountered many squeaky/creaky clocksprings and a decade ago
stopped counting minor upper column nuisances fixed with silicone spray)

 

i dont believe in spraying something from a can to fix the problem , i have
to back my work up, but a grind in the steering wheel being a clock
spring,,,, i would suspect a bearing would grind before anything, but in the
mean time<,,,,,,,spray away, this is my last post on this

 

Apparently you also don't believe in squeaking clocksprings. *shrug* Some
people don't believe in the existence of the state of Idaho, either.

DS

 

hmmm spray a oil based product into sensitive air bag wiring
i'll run out and spray mine right now maybe the air bag will go off and i'll
get to see some fire works
or worse yet it won't go off when i u need it