The owner of a 2011 Touareg SUV may come into your store with a complaint of an annoying creaking or squeaking sound from the steering column when the steering wheel is turned slowly.
According to Volkswagen, the noise may get louder as the ambient temperature increases or the truck is driven longer, and is most likely due to the intermediate steering shaft rubbing against the sealing sleeve at the bottom portion of the steering column, near the footwell. Pulling back the carpeting and lubing the sleeve and intermediate shaft in the area of the bearing ring with a special grease, part No. G 052 172 A2, should eliminate the problem.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].