2021 Turbo, steering wheel weird noise
Hi everyone,
I have a 2021 Mazda 3 Turbo Premium+ with about 95,000 km (59k miles). The car was previously in a front-end collision where the driver's airbag deployed, but it has since been repaired.
Recently, I've noticed a strange noise coming directly from the steering wheel area inside the cabin when turning. It's not a metallic clunking, grinding, or clicking sound. It sounds exactly like a plastic-on-plastic or rubber rubbing/shrieking noise (rubbing friction). The steering feels perfectly responsive and smooth, but this noise is very noticeable in the cabin.
Also, one of the front struts was removed and reinstalled during repairs, and the wheel alignment (toe/camber) hasn't been done yet since then. The front suspension itself was fully inspected by a mechanic and is in perfect condition.
Could this noise be caused by a stressed/misaligned clockspring due to the airbag deployment, or is it more likely related to steering column tension because the wheel alignment hasn't been done yet?
Any advice or similar experiences would be greatly appreciated!