After 5 days driving my new ilx, I started hearing a low but very audible creaking noise from the steering wheel when I turn the wheel at low speeds. I went back to the dealership and a service person sat in the car for a test run. I reversed the car and we both heard the creak immediately. He informed me that is normal due to the breaks that Acura uses. Well we take a trip around the block and continue to hear the creak even when the break is not pressed. Is this really normal? It really bugs me and seems to have gotten worse the past few days.

 

Check your power steering fluid to make sure it's at the appropriate level. Turn your wheel left and right 5 times to remove any trapped air. Also, try not to turn your steering wheel at a standstill. This puts a large load on the power steering system, which produces the creak/shutter.

 

I actually brought it to the dealer again and the guy who drove my car decided that something was indeed wrong. Some part(s) behind the wheel needed replacement, though I don't have the details.

 

This car uses an electronic power steering system. There is no fluid to check. Most likely, it's a problem with a ribbon cable that connects the various steering wheel controls to the rest of the car.