Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: robby30 on 21 July 2008, 14:58:55

Title: clunking from the steering column
Post by: robby30 on 21 July 2008, 14:58:55

hi all
last night my car developed a cracking plastic noise from the steering column.it sounds like plastic fouling when putting lock on the wheel, i have taken the cowling off and removed the indicator and wiper stalks, the noise continues. there are no wires in the way.  it happens two or three times lock to lock. the indicators self cancel. any ideas whats causing the noise.

ta

bob

Title: Re: clunking from the steering column
Post by: davlad22 on 21 July 2008, 15:09:44

Some people have said it could still be the wiper stalk, which can fall apart internally, though if you've removed it and it still 'cracks' and stalk looks ok, then I gues it couldn't be  :-/ Otherwise could it be the clock spring? Sure it's not lower down? steering box etc. can't say anymore than that unfortunately.

Title: Re: clunking from the steering column
Post by: markey mark on 21 July 2008, 15:43:24

more likely to be airbag squib  :-?

Title: Re: clunking from the steering column
Post by: RichardH on 21 July 2008, 16:21:31

I would say definitely the airbag squib.  I had the same issue on one of my previous cars.

The quick fix is to remove the airbag and steering wheel so that you can see the squib.  You should find a piece of broken plastic that is causing the noise.  Remove this and all should be ok.  Make sure your battery is disconnected though when you remove the airbag!

P.S. Clock spring and squib are the same thing! :-)

Regards,
Richard

Title: Re: clunking from the steering column
Post by: TECHNOPUG on 21 July 2008, 17:14:58

Interesting. Hopefully that is all that is causing my full lock grind. The lights stalk doesn't stay on full beam, so imagine that there is some plastic/debris lurking next to the column and causing the grumble.

  Will have a looksee at the weekend

Title: Re: clunking from the steering column
Post by: robby30 on 21 July 2008, 17:50:20

Quote

I would say definitely the airbag squib.  I had the same issue on one of my previous cars.

The quick fix is to remove the airbag and steering wheel so that you can see the squib.  You should find a piece of broken plastic that is causing the noise.  Remove this and all should be ok.  Make sure your battery is disconnected though when you remove the airbag!

P.S. Clock spring and squib are the same thing! :-)

Regards,
Richard

how do you remove the wheel and airbag?

Title: Re: clunking from the steering column
Post by: robby30 on 21 July 2008, 17:52:33

and what the hell is an airbag squib anyway :-?

Title: Re: clunking from the steering column
Post by: RichardH on 21 July 2008, 21:19:11

The squib is just a device that allows you to run the wires located in the steering wheel (horn, radio controls, airbag) through to join the loom because if you just ran them normally they would twist and catch as you turn the wheel.

As far as I can remember there are two screws behind the wheel that hold in the airbag. Make sure to disconnect the battery first and leave it about ten minutes to discharge before you do anything. Also don't reconnect the battery with the airbag disconnected or you will get the airbag light on.

Title: Re: clunking from the steering column
Post by: Elite Pete on 21 July 2008, 21:22:12

Is there any play in the steering column,up and down?