My '02 PT Cruiser has developed a “scrunching” sound when I turn the wheel (in either direction). It’s sort of the sound of a sheet of plastic being crumpled, and seems to come from the area just beyond the steering wheel. The problem has appeared literally overnight.
Any ideas?
CV joints?
They are also called trans-axels, or continuous velocity joints. They have thes little rubber booties which wear out, allowing dirt and grit to get in there, thus causing a noise much like what you describe. Cost to fix? About a hundred and fifty, give or take, depending on the car. I don’t know much about PT Cruisers.
If it sounds like it is in the area just in front of the steering wheel, I would bet on either the plastic steering column covers rubbing or perhaps the clock spring for the airbag. Sometimes where the column goes through the firewall can also make a rubbing crackling noise.
NOTE: Replacement of the clock spring is not a DIY self job. Actually pretty much anything having to do with the steering wheel / airbag is not a DIY anymore.