C5 steering rattle

[Peter.N.]

Never had any of theses problems with my 2.2 The 2.0L I recently bought has a rattle from the steering wheel, I'm pretty sure its coming frm the universal joint in the column as I can feel a slight ammount of movement in it. I don't see anyone advertising replacements, is it actually part of the column, any suggestions?

Thanks

Peter

[Lighty]

I have had a couple of C5's with loose steering wheels, might be worth checking 1st, they also make weird noises if the fluid level is low.

[SaabC5]

Is the arm that allows you to change wheel angle fully locked down? (lower left of wheel shroud)

[Peter.N.]

Thanks for the comments, there is definitly movement in the UJ I can feel it if I move the wheel while holding it, its not to bad on the road but makes a terrible clatter whil I am driving through the forest trying to reach it.

Peter

[Xantidote]

Could it be that in it's previous ownership, someone's not tightened the UJ's clamp bolts adequately?

[Peter.N.]

I will check that but it feels as though the movement is between the two sections of the joint.

Peter

[Citroenmad]

Yes, your right peter, it will be a bit of play. It is not uncommon with early C5s, well all I would think. our previous estate had it very bad, that had XL tyres fitted. I fited those tyres to our saloon C5 for a trip to France and that developed the rattle too. Obviously more vibrations put through the steering due to the stiff tyres. I always fit michelins to that 2002 C5 now, they are much softer. Ran at 31/32 psi the rattle Is not there, only on very rough tracks.

There is threads about this problem on here, I think you can squeze the joint and take the plat out

[Peter.N.]

I suspect this one has some strange tyres on it, it has a different feel to the 2.2, it tends to 'skip' on hard lock as if the tracking is way out - but it isn't.

Peter

[Clogzz]

Skipping on hard lock may be caused by low LDS level.
At normal height, it should slosh around above the tank seam.

[Peter.N.]

I will check that, thanks.

Peter

[SaabC5]

I suspect this one has some strange tyres on it, it has a different feel to the 2.2, it tends to 'skip' on hard lock as if the tracking is way out - but it isn't.

Peter

Mine does this as well and my LDS levels are fine. I suspect its some brands of tyres. The previous owner put some Wanli "ditchfinders" on it but seeing as they had 8mm of tread when i bought it there's no way i was gonna spring for new tyres.

[Clogzz]

ditchfinders

[waynedance]

I had some newish "Ditchfinders" on mine when I bought it, they were soon changed for a matching set of Kumho's.