Ok, for anyone with a creaking steering column, I spent this morning looking for the culprit and found a highly unlikely source. But believe it or not this noise was coming from this point, yet sounded like it was coming from higher up. I think what is happening is that the metal slides slightly inside the very dry plastic, this creates a creaking sound that allows the columns aluminum parts to make the sound louder. I sprayed some teflon wax lubricant at the connecting point and let it soak in while turning the steering wheel, and the sound disappeared, I forgot I had done this about 2 years ago and it keeps it quiet for at least that long. So if you suffer from this you may want to give this a try, good luck.

Below is the part I am talking about...


You can buy the lube at Lowes, or use something else...
http://www.lowes.com/pd_213197-39963...CatalogDisplay

 

Is this picture from underneath? I dont see it from the top.

 

You have to pull down the access panel underneath the steering column. Just pull down on the piece of plastic directly underneath the steering column, it is held there with two steel pins that pop into the dash. This panel then swings down and you can access the same spot.

 

Got it, Thanks. I will squirt it and see if it quiets the squeek

 

I have the problem also...I will give this a try and let you know the results. Thanks.

 

Mine only squeaks near full lock, just to the left, interestingly enough.

 

Mine was pretty close to the same, plus my driveway is a little steep, so as I turned out of it with the steering cranked to the left, that would make the sound every time. But yes, turning the steering wheel to the left is where the sound shows up. Give the lube a try, it does work if your issue is the same as mine.

 

You are a life saver! I recently purchased a 2002 Mini Cooper, which had the "creaking" noise in the steering column as you described. I had it in the shop for "flashing" headlight issues (still not resolved), but the mechanic said that it was just the steering motor catching up. I read your review, and treated the aluminum column with the Teflon Lube and problem solved!
Thank you for your posting.

 

I had some steering creaking/clunking develop quite literally overnight, but this fixed it. Thanks!

 

We'll shiver me timbers.... I kind of liked the old creaky wheel in my MINI, I felt like a pirate on the high seas. Thanks for the tip, I'll give mine a shot as well.

 

I was reading this thread originally not as a member. I was hoping that was why I could not see the pictures of the squeaking steering components. After taking a few moments to join, I still do not see any pictures. I have an ok idea of where to find the squeaky components under the dash. I just wondered if there is a place that the pictures are still available? If not, I'll try the spray-n-pray approach.
Oh yeah, my squeaking mini is 2005...

 

I found this thread in trying to fix a "creaking" that just started on our R52S. I will try the Teflon lube later this week and will post my results, just to further reinforce the original findings/fix from the OP. I'll also add a picture of where I spray the lube, as it looks like the original image was lost (maybe it was an old Photobucket image?).

In the meantime, here is a short clip of the creaking sound from our Mini:
https://rumble.com/v48kqp9-2006-mini...3z9pe&mc=av2lu

 

Sprayed mine in the past to say some time, after a while the joint will need replaced.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...to-center.html

 

I heard this squeaking coming from my column as well. About 8 years ago.
It sounded like the metal steering shaft rubbing against a rubber boot. I preformed the same quick fix by applying teflon spray lubricant around the grommet as well as the joints.
I haven't heard it again since then. However, just recently having my subframe out for a transmission replacement, I was told that the lower steering joint had some slop and will eventually need replacing.
My steering wheel only has a 1/4" (1/8" L/R), play from side to side at the center point...I'm not overly concerned at this point.
But it's nice to know what's coming next.