Creaking sound from steering wheel

[98civex]

So my 98 civic ex started making a very faint but audible creaking sound when turning the steering wheel left or right about 1/4 of a turn even with the car off.

You can't hear the noise from outside of the car only the inside. Sounds like a dry bushing or rubber.

Could it be something in the steering rack?

I can hear it coming from a black cover in the car that's part of the steering the section in the picture

Took that steering joint cover off and the noise was coming from the retaining collar area.

Only thing on me was some tire shine so squirted a drop or two in to verify and the noise went away.

Anyone know what kind of grease I should use? Is there a bushing in there? Couldn't tell

 

[XpL0d3r]

My RSX currently makes the same noise. I believe it's the clock spring.

 

[98civex]

My RSX currently makes the same noise. I believe it's the clock spring.

Clock spring is under the retaining collar area? See my post above yours

 

[XpL0d3r]

Oh, totally missed your second post, my bad. Clock spring is literally behind the steering wheel. I honestly have no idea what that part you're showing even does :/

 

[98civex]

Hmm yeah idk if there's a bushing there supporting the rack as it twists?

But I could see remnants of old grease so sprayed little tire shine (all I had on me at the time as a form of lubricant) and noise went away