2022 CX-5 – Steering Column Clicking / Rattle Noise (Upper Column, Not U-Joint)

[gokhanturun]

Hi everyone,
I’m experiencing a steering-related noise on my 2022 Mazda CX-5 and I’d like to hear if others have seen the same issue.
The noise is a light clicking / tapping / foam-like rubbing sound coming from the upper steering column area, right behind the steering wheel.
What’s important is that the sound does not require turning the steering wheel — it can be reproduced simply by lightly tapping the steering column with a finger.

To confirm that this is vibration-related, I intentionally created vibration inside the cabin by pressing the brake and accelerator at the same time to load the drivetrain and suspension slightly. Under this vibration, the noise becomes much more noticeable and repeatable.

Key observations:

• The sound is not coming from the lower intermediate shaft or U-joint.
• It feels like a micro-play / small clearance in the upper steering column area.
• Road vibrations and body flex clearly amplify the noise.
• The noise can be reproduced even when the wheel is stationary.

Based on research and similar reports, this seems more likely related to:

• Upper steering column bearing play,
• Steering wheel hub or clockspring housing micro-movement, or
• Plastic-to-plastic contact inside the upper column trim, rather than the intermediate shaft.

Has anyone here experienced this on a 2021–2023 CX-5?
If so, what was the final fix — upper column bearing replacement, hub re-torque, or NVH felt padding applied by the dealer?
Any input or shared experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[N7turbo]

I don't have this (knock on wood) but I'm certain the dealer is not adding any kind of foam padding to these cars. Their role in passing the car to you is extremely minimal beyond removing the plastic film and the adhesive residue, checking fluids, washing it and filling it with gas.

Is it hard to remove the plastic housing? I've never looked.