Steering wheel squeaks occasionally

[John579]

Hi, I have a 2003 XK8 coupe, it’s started an occasional squeak when turning, either left or right, sounds like plastic on plastic.... happens any time of day, at different outside temperatures and different speeds but usually at roundabouts ... only lasts for a split second....steering works correctly and fluid is at correct level.
It’s annoying - any ideas greatly appreciated..
John

[davidr]

Hi John - there are a number of possibilities. Could you help us narrow it down? Does it feel like the noise is coming from the steering column, rack, track rods or hubs?

[John579]

Hi, Sometimes it’s a squeak but it can squeak/rough rubbing sound.... I think it’s coming from the steering wheel/air bag area....... I’ve ruled out the rear of the steering wheel touching the plastic housing the indicators/windscreen wiper etc arms, as I would expect it to be noisy at every turn.... but it’s not, just as I think it’s not doing it anymore it waits then happens again....
Could it be the mechanism that allows the horn & air bag to work even though the wheel is turning ? If so what it’s called ?

[mike020150]

The item whose name you are trying to find is the 'cancellation/cassette module'. These cost about £300 so be sure the noise/fault is coming from it before ordering one on a just-in-case basis. Mike.