Popping in steering column, what is it?

[zzman]

I have a clicking, popping or snapping sound that comes from the steering column. It sounds like plastic popping, at first I thought a small pebble hit the windshield. I notice it when on the highway driving straight and slightly turning the wheel to stay in my lane and it pops, a very little resistance is felt. I can't pin point the exact spot but it sounds like the plastic behind the wheel, does that make sense?

I'm not sure if it is something serious or not but I felt someone else may have had or has this problem. It could turn out to be the turn signal switch I dont know, Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Thanks for any suggestion you may have.

 

[steved]

Almost sounds like the clock spring, an issue that was common in the 2nd gens.

 

[zzman]

Whats that mean (clock spring)

 

[AlaskanCummins]

The clockspring is an assembly between the steering wheel and the steering collumn and is used for the airbag and steering wheel controls (horn, cruise, radio).



Basically, imagine a "ribbon wire" that'd you'd see coming from the back of an old computer. Now, wind that up, put it into a round container with a plug area for your steering wheel controls.



If you've ever taken apart an auto-rewind unit off a lawnmower, this is what it'd look like.



They're 86 dollars and special order. Don't ask how I know this! :-laf

 

[zzman]

So what will happen if I ignore the noise?

What's going to happen next?



Another maintence issue I guess.

Thanks Alaskan

 

[Tinman]

I've got a sound like that to. Used to pop like plastic rubbing together. Now it just squeaks. Very annoying and can't find it.

 

[AlaskanCummins]

Well, IMHO I don't think it'd be an issue until you see the airbag light stay on, horn or other stuff not work.



Mine was a boo-boo on my part, something very avoidable if I'd have stuck to the instructions of the part I was installing.



So, unless it's annoying enough to deal with now, I'd not worry until something doesn't work on the steering wheel. But, if it were me, because I'm a perfectionist, I'd tear into it.



Are you till under warranty?

 

[Blakers]

My truck has the same problem. Just annoying. Everything works ok so far.

 

[Gasmasher]

If you have radio steering wheel controls they may stop working and air bag light may come on. Did a ton of clocksprings when I worked in the dealer common problem on many Dodge vehicles

 

[Blakers]

If you have radio steering wheel controls they may stop working and air bag light may come on. Did a ton of clocksprings when I worked in the dealer common problem on many Dodge vehicles

Do failing clocksprings typically make that kind of noise? The noise I get is when the steering wheel is only moved a very small amount - maybe a degree or two.

 

[Spooled-up]

I'm having this problem now too. Is this something that can be done in the driveway without special tools? I have the factory service manual, but it says to reference the (8) electrical-restraint-clockspring removal, and I can't find anything in that section that says anything about removal of the clockspring.

 

[BGlidewell]

theres a recent recall on the steering column

 

[AlaskanCummins]

Spooled - it's relatively easy. Basically disconnnect batteries, wait 5 minutes, remove airbag (2 screws) and wire harness, upper/lower plastic steering column cover pieces (pull straight back on the tilt lever and it'll pop off), steering wheel.



Then, remove two screws holding clockspring to column and unplug two wire harness plugs.



When you buy the new one, it'll have a yellow tab on it keeping it in the correct position. Keep that there untill you have it back in place and the steering wheel back on.



Then you can remove the yellow tab.



Reverse the process and you're done.



Hand tools, steering wheel remover and patience.

 

[firemansdiesel]

I had the clicking noise (steering column area) on my '05 and now on my '09... I figured it's a Dodge thing. :-laf

 

[Got HO?]

Same issue here. Replaced the clockspring which didn't solve the noise. Thinking it may have something to do with the turn signal switch assembly. Also lubed the upper shaft bearing with no change... .....



I haven't had time to take it apart again, but I wish someone else would & find the problem