Here is the situation. My car has been making a clicking noise occasionally from the dashboard. It sounds like it is directly above the steering wheel. It does not make it all of the time, maybe 60-70 percent of the time. It does it when braking and when steering to the right (rarely to the left). It also does it on its own sometimes on more bumpy roads. There are times in ALL of these situations where it doesn't do it at all though. Weird, right? I laid on the floor of the car and listened to see if it came from the steering shaft itself, however I could barely here it and it definitely wasn't. I stood outside the car and listened up near the firewall area and it was a little louder, but definitely loudest on the inside from the dash. I was told it may be the airbag clock spring, but after noticing how many variables are involved, I am convinced it may be a loose component someplace, possibly tied into or on the firewall. Also, my instrument panel is not malfunctioning in any way and everything is functioning as normal aside from the clicking. I did find a small 4 inch strip of foam-rubber padding laying on the steering column when I first popped the hood. It appeared undamaged and like the adhesive that held it in place simply dried up. It may be related but I am unsure. Any ideas would greatly aid me in my search to figure this out. I want to investigate/fix myself if I can. This is the 3.2 liter model of the LXi if that helps. Thank you!
Also, if I shut the car off during a clicking spat and turn it back on after a few minutes, it will stop clicking and not do it again until I drive it for a while.
Also, if I shut the car off during a clicking spat and turn it back on after a few minutes, it will stop clicking and not do it again until I drive it for a while.