So, I bought My 1997 Civic LX in July... no Squeaky steering wheel noise.

Now that the Michigan cold is upon us, when I first start the car and drive away, the steering wheel squeaks when I turn it from side to side... kinda sounds like the vinyl/rubber material of the steering wheel rubbing against another part... as the car warms up (inside), the noise is less obvious... and if it is a nicer warm day, the noise goes away.

Anyone have a clue? Is the steering wheel on too tight or something like that??

FYI, when I bought the car, the SRS light was on... a dealership didn't notice a problem so they reset it... could have the previous owner have had an aftermarket wheel on?

Any insight would be much appreciated!
Thanks!

 

In for a response. Mine is doing the SAME exact thing. No problems, but can be slightly annoying in the morning lol

 

Check power steering fluid level. When it is low in my car I have the same problem.

The SRS light comes on automatically after 9-10 years after the car was manufactured. Its kind of like a service reminder that is programmed by Honda to service the air bags and make sure they are working properly.

If the dealer did not check that the air bags work, and air bags are a big deal to you, I'd get them to check it.

 

What if you don't have power steering like myself? Any other possibilities?

 

No power steering? What would you do that for... (just kidding)

Seriously though, the only other thing I can think of would maybe be to make sure the belts are tightened.

 

I had the same problem when I drove my car in the winter.

 

Mine's having the exact same problem - just started the other week when it started getting really cold out here.

It's nothing to do with the PS or SRS, if you listen close it's upper column noise - like by the cluster - it's nothing serious, just strain due to cold. Nothing to do with the PS fluid level.

PS: Fix = Turn Radio Up

 

Once the car warms up, the problem should go away.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Syndacate &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">PS: Fix = Turn Radio Up</TD></TR></TABLE>

Haha. Always do!

 

Yes, its a common thing. Not really a problem, more of a slight annoyance.
As cold as it is today in the D, I was reacquainted with the squeaky wheel

Let the car warm up ahead of time, and the noise wont be there.

 

damn I didn't know this many 6th gen. owners had this same problem lol.

my 97 hatch steering wheel squeaks like a son of a bitch for like 10 minutes if its really cold.

 

Well then it looks like it is a common thing and I'll jus turn up that radio!

Thanks for the Responses!

 

my 96 hx does this too when it's really cold. if I turn the wheel back and forth really quick, it sounds like I'm scratching lol

 

The vinyl parts around the steering column shrink with the cold (40-50 PPM/degree F), rubbing against the steering wheel. Take the covers off find where its rubbing and rim it back.