2002 SLE. When I spin the wheel from side to side - like backing out of a parking space - there is a whining sort of "singing" sound that seems to be coming from the upper steering column. It does it after the car warms up a bit. Is there some sort of rubber seal that can be lubricated with graphite or WD40 in the steering column to make it stop ?

Take a look at this and see if it answers any of your questions.

https://www.gmforum.com/t223290/

Thanks for the response, but it is not the intermediate shaft. It is not the clunking felt in the steering wheel. I do have that prob and it is scheduled to be fixed this week at my mechanic. What I am getting is a sound like a squeeking/squeeling from where the steering wheel meets the column as the wheel is rotated around. It sounds like something rubbing in the upper steering column.

Is it really cold by you? Mine will do that when it'* cold out, then stop when it warms up.

Well I live in Eastern Iowa - so yes it'* cold. But I keep the car in a heated (44*) garage and it sems to not make the noise until after I have driven a while and the heat is on inside the car. Like I said the noise is coming from the steering wheel... inside the car ???

Well, you got me stumped. You said your getting the intermediate shaft replaced? Lets see if it still does that after that'* fixed. Unless someone else has an idea.

That'* what I was thinkin'. I'll let you know. Maybe my guy has a solution ? Thanks for all you advise.

Be sure you post what it was, if you find out.

There are several clips and bearings in the column. There is also a coil that keeps the connections to the air bag module. I would not be spraying anything into the column. You could disassemble the column if you are familiar with it and have the tools, but if not, this is something you might want to have service by someone familiar with the steering column disassembly.

Thanks for the warning. I think I am going to take Dan'* advice and see if the intermediate shaft replacement has any affect on it. Since it is only mildly irritating compared to other more pressing issues, I will probably just live with it - and/or crank up the stereo so it doesn't bother me.