B5 S4 steering noise

[Ti Kan]

On Fri, Mar 21, 2014 at 01:15:20PM -0700, Tihol Tiholov wrote:
> >  It seems to come from under the plenum
> (where the steering rack is), but it could be the steering column...
> Hard to pinpoint.
> 
> > Since the column is self-contained and does not have exposed moving
> parts except at each end (at the U-joint, or at the steering wheel),
> what could be rubbing to make a noise like that?
> 
> Guessing:
> 1. Either the plastic cover over the u-joint on the floor. With some
> contortions and taking off 2-3 screws, the cover should come off
> or

OK, I dove under the dash today and had a brief look (awkward
position, you should've seen!).  There is indeed a plastic cover  
as you described but it isn't the culprit.  It's flexible enough
that I could move it and turn the steering wheel to see if it
makes a difference, and it didn't.

> 2. Something attached or caught above the steering rack, where the steering
> column shaft attaches to it. There's a heavy rubber seal on the floor
> between the steering rack and the steering column, it might skweek.

I could now further pinpoint the noise as coming from the vicinity
of the firewall where the steering column shaft goes out to the
steering rack.  There is a conical-shaped seal (the family album
calls it "gaiter") but I can't tell whether there is any rubbing on
this piece.  Should I squirt some lubricant in there?  I have the
feeling maybe the noise is from the steering rack...

-Ti