Just bought a 2015 Q5 in April. Steering column makes a rubber-on-metal squeaking sound when turning either direction at slow speeds. It's almost like a vinyl jacket sleeve rubbing. It seems to be coming from within the steering column low beneath the brake pedal under the floor board. But I also thought maybe it is in the intermediate area just below the steering wheel.

Anyone else actually found the area making the squeal/squeak sound, and is it something I can find and lubricate with Silicone or other compound?

I've seen joking comments about just turning up my Bang & Olufsen to drown it out, but the whine is persistent and should not happen in a car with this price point. I know it's not the power steering or belts. There's some friction somewhere in the column and it is driving me nuts.

Appreciate responses. Love to drive the car otherwise!!!!
Tricia

 

Yes!! Bought an SQ5 in May '15. About a month ago, I noticed the squeaking, rubbing sound when I was backing up. Seems worse/louder some days and none other times.
Will have dealer check out on next visit i guess.
I also have a low pitched rumble from the back of the car as the transmission shifts through the gears under full throttle. Rear end problem? Dealer inspection...

 

Hello Tricia did you find the problem? i repllaced the intermediate shaft and the noise still there, i think the noise its between the steering wheel and the intermediate shaft

 

My wife’s ‘15 SQ5 had same squeak/rub when turning steering wheel. I replaced the steering intermediate shaft today. Quiet and silky smooth again. The old unit had rusted at the slip joint causing the slip ring to rub and squeak. I had to sawzall off the old intermediate shaft because it would not collapse for removal. I too had the dealer “fix” this before which obviously they did nothing. See pic.