Hi
My car has developed an irregular squeak when turning the steering wheel. It comes from the area behind the steering wheel and the column cowl.
I suspect there is a slipring that needs lubrication.
Does the steering wheel have to be removed to reach this slipring "module", or will I be able to access by only removing the cowl's upper half?
If the steering wheel needs to be removed, how do I remove the plastic pad activating the hooter/horn?
Thanks Snorkie
Pretoria
South Africa

There's no slip ring, it uses a device called a clock spring, or rotary coupling. Basically it's a flat coil of flexible printed circuit board, not dissimilar in appearance to a clock spring, hence the name. As the steering is turned, the coil of flat cables pull closer or open up, same way as a clock spring does when it's wound or unwound.

There's nothing in there to squeak really, unless there's some unintentional contact between moving the parts. There is also a steering angle sensor connected to the column, with 2 rubber pins located in the back if the wheel, which needs to be put back exactly as it was removed, or it'll go out of calibration.

The air bag is removed by inserting a hook shaped tool into the tiny slots in the rear cover of the wheel, which is used to hook the clips of the airbag, so it can pop out the wheel. It's a bit of a fiddle, but it's possible to do using a suitably bent wire coat hanger as a release tool.

If the squeak happens over bumps, then it might be the wheel mass damper that has come apart, which I've seen before. Hyundai Ioniq 5 Ultimate. The family car.
2009 Rimini Red SE TD4. Gone.
2006 Tonga Green i6 HSE. Gone.
Audi A5 convertible, my daily driver.
1972 Hillman Avenger GT, the project.

Thanks for the info - sounds a little too complicated to me!
As it is not a regular thing, I'll grin and bear it!
Regards Snorkie
Pretoria
South Africa