Squeaking steering wheel

I brought home my truck over the weekend and noticed one problem: when making rapid lock-to-lock turns (like when parking), the steering wheel squeaks. It's not coming from the suspension or steering gear (can't hear it outside), the sound is in the column itself.

It's a non-tilt column so there shouldn't be any joints inside the cab to worry about. But I'm sure there's a support bearing or two and the clockspring.

It only has 41,000 miles, but that does mean it spent a long time sitting in one position.

 

When a person makes rapid lock to lock turns, they usually push down pretty hard on the steer wheel. That little flex in the wheel is exposing the squeaker,,whatever that might be.

Pull up a exploded view of your steer wheel/column setup and take a look. Old school lessons would tell you that your horn button contacts have dried out.

 

On my old Tundra I had to have the steering column tightened/adjusted. After it was put back together it squeaked and but and rubbed on the plastic. Have you had any adjustments like that recently?

 

Toyota replaced the frame for rust issues, presumably they had to pull the column for that. Good call.

I just checked the FSM and there is a greaseable bushing inside the column. The manual calls for lithium moly grease, which I have on hand, so I'll see if I can get some in there without disassembling the column first.

 

it just needs to be greased. all toyotas, not just the tacos, have this problem. my 08 leased camry did this crap and dealer tried to charge me for it so i gave them the finger and just lived with it. it was a lease anyways and i returned it last year. it wont hurt anything leaving it like that but if its a peeve then grease it!