It started when I switched to the 500E/Sportline wheel....The bolt is torqued to the correct 80nm. I replaced the bolt today thinking maybe it was just tired, but still no luck. It makes a creaking noise on turning.

Any ideas?

 

The wheel rubbing against anything? Or perhaps the horn contact ring?

 

Ball-joint! that was what mine did before i needed to change them...spray some silicon grease in there and see if it goes away.....

 

Where is this ball joint on the steering column??

 

never-mind, thought the front suspension was making the creak noise...my bad

 

Had a feeling you made a mistake...

 

Anyone else?

It feels like I can move it more than I would think is normal. Maybe that is the creak...simply slack?

Did the updated wheels require a bigger torque setting? Maybe 80nm isn't enough?

 

If it can move more than previously, I would bet there is a spacer/washer that was a slightly different thickness on the newer one. If you increase the torque it will just bind the bearings more.

Did you check the horn contact ring or the plastic/backing? I wouldn't be supprised if the backer plastic (or whatever material it is) was warped slightly different from your old one.

 

I had the same problem, not so much a creak and like a swishing sound while turning. Haven't diagnosed it yet, but a buddy has a wagon with original wheel and it does the same thing! Radio fixes it so far

-Mike

 

I believe it also makes a swishing sound...
Radio cures for me too, but I want to get it figured out soon. Not high on my priority list yet. Just wondered if there was an easy solution.