Groan, Squeak or Rubbing Type Noise When Turning Steering Wheel – 2010-2016 Buick Chevrolet

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#PI0659E: Groan, Squeak or Rubbing Type Noise When Turning Steering Wheel – (Apr 25, 2016)

Subject:	Groan, Squeak or Rubbing Type Noise When Turning Steering Wheel
Models:	2010-2016 Buick LaCrosse
	2012-2016 Buick Regal, Verano
	2012-2015 Chevrolet Cruze, Volt
	2013-2016 Chevrolet Malibu Limited (VIN 1)
	2014-2016 Chevrolet Impala
Attention:	This PI also applies to any of the above models that may be Export from North America vehicles.

This PI has been revised to update the Model Years. Please discard PI0659D.

Condition/Concern (Impala)

Some customers may comment on a rubber squeak type noise when turning the steering wheel. This condition may be caused by the seal for the intermediate shaft, located at the front of dash, rubbing on the rotating intermediate steering shaft. Refer to the pictures above.

Condition/Concern (Malibu)

Some customers may comment on a rubber squeak type noise when turning the steering wheel. This condition may be caused by the seal for the intermediate shaft, located at the front of dash, rubbing on the rotating intermediate steering shaft. Refer to the pictures above.

The EPS wire harness bracket may also be contacting the steering column seal.

Condition/Concern (LaCrosse, Regal, Verano, Cruze, Volt)

Some customers may comment on a rubber squeak type noise when turning the steering wheel.

This may be caused by the EPS wire harness bracket contacting the steering column seal.

Recommendation/Instructions (Impala)

Technicians should inspect the steering column seal for proper installation by repositioning the inner intermediate steering shaft boot assembly to gain access. Inspect the seal at the front of the dash where the intermediate steering shaft passes through from the steering gear. Ensure that the seal is centered in the opening and around the intermediate steering shaft as shown above. If the seal is out of position, replace the steering column seal following the steps below.

1. Remove the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in SI.
2. Remove the inner intermediate steering shaft boot assembly.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Support the powertrain.
5. Remove the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement in SI.
6. Remove the front and rear transmission mount through bolts.
7. Remove the front transmission mount.
8. Remove the driver side steering gear mounting bolt and discard.
9. Remove the electronic power steering harness bolts (if equipped).
10. Disconnect the left and right steering knuckle bolts and discard.
11. Remove the rear cradle bolts.
12. Loosen the front cradle bolts just enough to get clearance of the steering shaft.
13. Lower the rear of the cradle and remove the outer steering column seal.
14. Install the outer steering column seal.
15. Raise the rear cradle and install the rear cradle bolts.
16. Tighten the front cradle bolts. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
17. Install the left and right steering knuckle bolts. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
18. Install the electronic power steering harness bolts (if equipped).
19. Install the driver side steering gear mounting bolt. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
20. Install the front transmission mount. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
21. Install the front and rear transmission mount through bolts. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
22. Install the front exhaust pipe. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
23. Remove the support from the powertrain.
24. Lower the vehicle.

25. Install the inner intermediate steering shaft boot assembly. Ensure that the boot is properly positioned so that it lays flat against the floor. Make sure that the boot does not get tucked under the floor mat at any location.
26. Install the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
27. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment – Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment in SI.

Recommendation/Instructions (Malibu)

Technicians should inspect the steering column seal for proper installation by repositioning the inner intermediate steering shaft boot assembly to gain access. Inspect the seal at the front of the dash where the intermediate steering shaft passes through from the steering gear. Ensure that the seal is centered in the opening and around the intermediate steering shaft as shown above. If the seal is out of position, replace the steering column seal following the steps below.

Technicians should also inspect the EPS wire harness bracket if equipped and make sure that the bracket is not contacting the steering column seal. If contact is observed, manually adjust the EPS bracket to obtain an 8-12 mm (0.31-0.47 in) clearance from the steering column seal.

1. Remove the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt. Refer to Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement in SI.
2. Remove the inner intermediate steering shaft boot assembly.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Support the powertrain.
5. Remove the front exhaust pipe. Refer to Exhaust Front Pipe Replacement in SI.
6. Remove the front and rear transmission mount through bolts.
7. Remove the front transmission mount.
8. Remove the driver side steering gear mounting bolt and discard.
9. Remove the electronic power steering harness bolts (if equipped).
10. Disconnect the left and right steering knuckle bolts and discard.
11. Remove the rear cradle bolts.
12. Loosen the front cradle bolts just enough to get clearance of the steering shaft.
13. Lower the rear of the cradle and remove the outer steering column seal.
14. Install the outer steering column seal.
15. Raise the rear cradle and install the rear cradle bolts.
16. Tighten the front cradle bolts. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
17. Install the left and right steering knuckle bolts. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
18. Install the electronic power steering harness bolts (if equipped).
19. Install the driver side steering gear mounting bolt. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
20. Install the front transmission mount. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
21. Install the front and rear transmission mount through bolts. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
22. Install the front exhaust pipe. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
23. Remove the support from the powertrain.
24. Lower the vehicle.

25. For 2013 Malibu only, using the inner steering column seal as a template, trace an outline on the edge of the barrier material 4 in (101.6 mm) x 3.5 in (88.9 mm) as shown above.

26. For 2013 Malibu only, cut the material and install next to the intermediate shaft making sure not to contact the intermediate shaft.

27. Install the inner intermediate steering shaft boot assembly. Ensure that the boot is properly positioned so that it lays flat against the floor. Make sure that the boot does not get tucked under the floor mat at any location.
28. Install the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt. Refer to SI for torque specifications.
29. Adjust the front toe. Refer to Wheel Alignment – Steering Wheel Angle and/or Front Toe Adjustment in SI.

Recommendation/Instructions (LaCrosse, Malibu, Regal, Verano, Cruze, Volt)

Technicians should inspect the EPS wire harness bracket and make sure that the bracket is not contacting the steering column seal. If contact is observed, manually adjust the EPS bracket to obtain an 8-12 mm (0.31-0.47 in) clearance from the steering column seal.

Parts Information

Part Number	Description
22968805	SEAL, STRG COL (NV7)
22968806	SEAL, STRG COL (NJ1)
23106608	SEAL, STRG COL (NJ2)
13253472 No products found.	BOLT, S/GR
11518632 GM Bolt Coupe, CTS, long. Wagon, CTS, #3. CTS, #1. 2.0L, type 1. 3.0L twin-turbo. 2.5L, fwd, type 1. Sedan, 3.6L twin-turbo. Without performance pkg. $17.29 Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping Last update on 2026-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API	BOLT, S/KNU (2)
20972702 General Motors 20972702, Exhaust Pipe Connector Gasket 2.5L, lower, front. 2.5L, with dual muffler. $26.14 Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping Last update on 2026-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API	GASKET, EXH FRT PIPE (RPO LCV, LKW)
13293994	GASKET, EXH FRT PIPE (RPO LUK, LAF, LEA)
13267274 Sale Genuine GM Parts - Gasket (13267274) Product Type: Auto Accessory Package Quantity: 1 Package Dimensions: 12.7 cms (L) x 6.858 cms (W) x 0.508 cms (H) Country Of Origin: China $21.26 −$4.96 $16.30 Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping Last update on 2026-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API	GASKET, EXH FRT PIPE (RPOs LFX, LLT, LF1)* *Quantity 2 for LFX, LLT, LF1
12609878 Sale General Motors 12609878, Turbocharger Gasket 2.0L, front section, upper. ATS. 2.0L, rear. Sedan, 2.0L turbo. 2.0L turbocharged. 2.0L turbo, upper. 2.0L turbo, 2011-2013. 2.0L turbo, 2014-2017. $30.17 −$1.68 $28.49 Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping Last update on 2026-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API	GASKET, CTLTC CONV (RPO LTG) (Groove Ring Style)
22741875 No products found.	GASKET, CTLTC CONV (RPO LTG) (Triangular Shaped)
22816982	GASKET, EXH MUFF (RPO LCV, LTG, LHU, EXC Y3E)
13229872 General Motors 13229872, Exhaust Pipe Connector Gasket 1.4L, front section, front. 2.4L. 1.4L turbo. 2.0L turbo diesel. $27.41 Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping Last update on 2026-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API	GASKET, EXH MUFF (RPO LUK, LAF, LEA)
20907464 General Motors 20907464, Exhaust Pipe Connector Gasket 2.4L. 2.5L. 2012-13. 3.6L, with awd. 3.0L, with awd. 1.8L, center and rear. $12.08 Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping Last update on 2026-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API	GASKET, EXH MUFF (RPO LLT, LF1, LFX, LKW)
22936409	GASKET, EXH MUFF (LHU, Y3E)
11515174 Barrier - Part# 11515174 Buy on Amazon Price incl. tax, excl. shipping Last update on 2026-06-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API	BARRIER-SND** (Malibu Only)
*Quantity 2 for LFX, LLT, LF1 **There is enough material to do approximately 6 vehicles. Store remaining material for future use. (For Malibu Only)

Warranty Information

For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

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