Rubbing sound only occurs on hot days

Steering column parts likely source

DEAR CAR TALK: No one seems to be able to figure this out: The steering wheel of my 2002 Ford Escape makes a loud rubbing sound whenever I turn it left or right. This sound only happens whenever I’m driving around on a hot day.

My mechanic thinks there are plastic parts that must be expanding when it gets hot.

I guess I’ll have to make a direct bee-line to the mechanic as soon as I hear the rubbing sound, since it doesn’t do it on cool days, provided someone is even around at the time to check it on the spot. — Laura

Your mechanic could be right, Laura When the steering column’s upper bearing wears out on this car, it can cause the plastic on the back of the steering wheel to rub against the plastic cowling at the top of the steering column. That can make a rubbing noise, especially when it’s hot and everything expands.

Less likely is that your multifunction switch (that stalk that controls the directionals and headlights) is loose, and is rubbing against the steering wheel.

While the noise is probably not dangerous, I’d feel better if you had your mechanic hear it and confirm that. So next time it starts making the noise, drive over there and block the exit of their garage. That’ll guarantee that someone will be instantly available to listen to it.

If your mechanic hears it and confirms that it’s nothing dangerous, then, as an experiment, buy yourself a can of silicone spray.

Then, next time you hear the noise, pull over and spray a shot of silicone in the space where the steering wheel meets the steering column.

If the noise goes away, then you’ve at least identified the location. And, if you’re lucky, it may stay gone for a while.

If the silicone does nothing or the noise comes back right away, then ask your mechanic to dig in and investigate more. Unfortunately, figuring it out is will likely involve removing the steering wheel and poking around the steering column. And that runs into money.

So try the silicone spray first. That would be a lot cheaper than steering column surgery.