Steering column click/clank noise
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Steering column click/clank noise
I have a 2003 AE coupe and my steering column is making a noise that, although subtle, is driving me crazy.
Lightly moving the steering wheel a little off center either way, is creating this small click/clank noise (just a single sound), that can be heard/felt.
Has anybody experienced this?
Lightly moving the steering wheel a little off center either way, is creating this small click/clank noise (just a single sound), that can be heard/felt.
Has anybody experienced this?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
I checked the coupler where the steering shaft slides over and on to the shaft coming out of the steering rack. It didn't seem loose, but I retorqued it anyway. It didn't make any difference.
I found a thread where somebody suggested that it might be the turn signal cancelling mechanism, but I'm experiencing this clank without engaging the turn signal. Is it possible that the cancelling mechanism is making some kind of slight contact even when not engaged?
I found a thread where somebody suggested that it might be the turn signal cancelling mechanism, but I'm experiencing this clank without engaging the turn signal. Is it possible that the cancelling mechanism is making some kind of slight contact even when not engaged?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
I'm wondering if the CL relay pin might be somewhat extended and is making the noise. You seem to indicate it is more like a metal on metal sound.
Might also be the clock spring. You are probably going to need to pull the steering wheel and take a look.
Might also be the clock spring. You are probably going to need to pull the steering wheel and take a look.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
Steering column click/clank noise
I honestly am not sure if it's metal on metal. It is subtle and you "feel" it more than "hear" it.
Thanks for your help.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 431
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo NY
Mine does the same thing. It is a clicking noise I hear mainly when driving at low speeds and when I turn the wheel at least a 1/2 turn. I notice it the most when driving up/down my parking ramp at work.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 75
From: Medford, Oregon
I'm gonna run with you on this issue !! 
By the way, if you have the column apart, remove the CL pin from the column all together. I have expressed/posted this many times to forum members, drive safe !!
Last edited by 2FAS4UU; Jun 3, 2015 at 10:46 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Damn, it seems like this is a common issue. I can provide the info for getting to the clockspring but not at home now. Pulling the steering wheel can be a PITA for some people. I will provide info on that too.
If it were me, I might try removing/inspecting things as you go toward the turn signal cancel mechanism.
Something tells me it is not the turn signal cancel mech but it would be easy to remove the MF switch and see if that has any affect before you start into the column. That might rule it in but not necessarily rule it out at that point. Just never been into the column "yet".
If it were me, I might try removing/inspecting things as you go toward the turn signal cancel mechanism.
Something tells me it is not the turn signal cancel mech but it would be easy to remove the MF switch and see if that has any affect before you start into the column. That might rule it in but not necessarily rule it out at that point. Just never been into the column "yet".
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 217
Likes: 7
From: Hampton, GA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 858
Likes: 75
From: Medford, Oregon
Totally UNNECESSARY on an Automatic trans car which the OP says he has.
The Lock Ring on the automatics is a small diameter that prevents the lock pin from having anything to intercept. The lock ring on manual trans cars is a larger diameter with detents that the log pin can drop into.
The lock ring for automatics from GM has been cut down to a diameter just smaller than the deents on the full size lock ring.
The Lock Ring on the automatics is a small diameter that prevents the lock pin from having anything to intercept. The lock ring on manual trans cars is a larger diameter with detents that the log pin can drop into.
The lock ring for automatics from GM has been cut down to a diameter just smaller than the deents on the full size lock ring.
My error in not seeing it was a auto !
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Here is a good link with pictures on the Clockspring. I will pull up the FSM info and post it here a little later.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ck-spring.html
Here's some on puller tools.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...l-removal.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...asier-way.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ck-spring.html
Here's some on puller tools.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...l-removal.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...asier-way.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,835
Likes: 302
From: Columbia SC
Found this Thread that covers column related issues. It also has a video at the end which was very well done and worth watching.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ng-help-2.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ng-help-2.html
