Creak Noise From Steering Wheel While Turning. Saturn Saturn 1993

For 1990-2009 cars

# Creak Noise From Steering Wheel While Turning

Subject: | Creak noise from steering wheel while turning -- lubricate SIR roll connector assembly.

Models: | 1992 Saturns equipped with SIR and 1993 Saturns

### Condition:

When the steering wheel is turned a creak noise can be heard from behind the steering wheel.

### Cause:

The locator tabs on the SIR roll connector contact the steering wheel hub causing a creak noise when the steering wheel is turned.

### Correction:

Lubricate the SIR roll connector locator tabs at the steering wheel hub according to the procedure.

Note: Some amount of rubbing noise may be heard when the steering wheel is turned. This is a normal condition.

### Procedures:

1. Turn the steering wheel so that the vehicles wheels are pointing straight ahead.
2. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position.
3. Remove the air bag fuse.
4. Remove the connector position assurance (CPA) device from the yellow 2-way SIR connector at the base of the steering column and disconnect the connector.

Important: With the air bag fuse removed and the ignition key ON the Air Bag telltale will turn ON. This is a normal operation and does not indicate an SIR fault.

5. Remove the inflator module (air bag) from the steering wheel by removing the 4 screws. Lift the inflator module (air bag) out of the steering wheel.

Caution: If the air bag inflates while you are handling it, it could seriously injure you. When carrying a live inflator module (air bag), make sure the bag and trim cover are pointed away from you. Never carry the inflator module (air bag) by the wires or connector on the underside of the module. When placing a live inflator module (air bag) on a bench or other surface, always place the air bag module surface (trim cover) facing up. Never rest a steering column assembly on the steering wheel with the inflator module (air bag) face down and column vertical. This is necessary so that a free space is provided to allow the inflator module (air bag) to expand in the unlikely event of accidental deployment. Otherwise, personal injury could result.

6. Remove the connector positive assurance (CPA) device , disconnect the connector and remove the inflator module (air bag).
7. Apply a small amount of Mobil 1™ High performance synthetic universal grease or equivalent, where the SIR roll connector tabs contact the steering wheel hub. Refer to the illustration for grease locations. Ensure the grease is applied at both contact points.
8. Turn the steering wheel back and forth to verify the creak noise is corrected.
9. Connect the inflator module (air bag) to the wiring harness and install the connector position assurance (CPA) device.

Important: Always replace the inflator module (air bag) screws with new screws. Never reuse old screws.

10. Install the inflator module into the steering wheel and tighten the screws being careful not to cross thread the screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 10 N·m (88 lb in).

11. Connect the yellow 2-way SIR connector at the base of the steering column and install the connector position assurance (CPA) device to the connector.
12. Install the Air Bag fuse.
13. Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position and make sure the Air Bag tell tale flashes 7 times and then remains OFF.

If the Air Bag telltale does not operate as described, perform the SIR Diagnostic System Check in the System Diagnosis section of the SIR Service Manual.

### Parts Requirements:

Part Number | Description
--- | ---
21044245 | Bolt/screw -- Inflatable Restraint Module $4 required
- | Mobil 1™ High Performance synthetic universal grease or equivalent.

Claim Information | To receive credit for this repair, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System, using the appropriate labor operation as follows:
--- | ---
-- | Case Type | Description | Labor Operation Code | Time
-- | VW | Lubricate SIR Coil Assembly | T9657 | 0.6 hrs