About two weeks ago I posted to the list the fact that my '95 RR County Classic had the squeaky steering wheel, and that my dealer had the part fix on back-order, asking if anyone knew of a lubricating fix to the problem. In response I received the following:

"OK. This one's easy, I fixed it myself and so can you. The problem is a rubber to metal contact between the steering column and a rubber collar that fits around the column at the firewall. The short term fix (but not too short based on my experience) is to grease this contact point; the long term fix per a service bulletin is to replace this collar with a nylon version that doesn't make noise in cold weather. High tech, huh?

If you have a cartridge style grease gun, some lithium grease, and an old paint brush you're set. If you don't, run out to TrakAuto or whatever you have nearby and spend a few bucks. The gun and a grease cartridge should be [less than $20; you really ought to have one anyway with your off-roading and the potential for a Hummer in the driveway. I used marine grade lithium because I already had it for our sailboat, so it shouldn't mind getting wet. Anyway, pop the hood and look for the place where the steering column penetrates the firewall. You'll see a black rubber collar and then a recessed area all around the column itself. Insert the tip of the grease gun into this recessed area on one side of the column and pump the gun once; repeat the process on the other side of the column. Use the old paintbrush (I had an old one about 1" wide that I'm keeping in a Ziploc bag for future 'repairs') and use the bristles to work the grease all around the recessed area, i.e. on all sides of the column, being sure to force it as far as possible into the contact area. Voila. No more squeaks, and you'll be amazed how much smoother the steering feels! If you just have some lithium grease and a paint brush you may be able to get by with simply applying the grease with the brush, but I think that the grease gun really helped to get the grease where it was needed most."

I did this and I am happy to say that seven days later, including two in sub-freezing temperatures, the fix works like a charm.

Thanks to the individuals that posted and emailed this fix to me. Anyone with this problem in either their disco or rangie ought to do this right away.