Squeaky steering

I have an intermittent noise problem with my 2012 Astra J. On hot days I get a rubbing/squeaking noise from behind the steering wheel. It spoils what is otherwise a very quiet car. I tried a spray of WD40, to no avail. I am hesitant about removing the cover for fear of it not going back on properly. Richard Reed

The noise could be coming from a few different places within the steering column. It may be due to a slightly misaligned cowling, or coming from the indicator stalk reset switch or the airbag clock-spring unit. Although you have tried WD40 to silence the squeak, I would try a silicone spray, such as Owl Automotive Silicone Spray (http://bit.ly/wuyset).

Detaching the cowling would require the steering wheel to be removed to access the two securing screws at the top of the cowling. This would first need the battery to be disconnected and the airbag to be unclipped and extracted to reach the steering wheel fixing bolt (E20). The fixings for the airbag can be unclipped using a small screwdriver inserted through the access holes at the rear of the steering wheel.