ALL the wheel electronic signals including the airbag signals pass through it. If noisy it must be wearing out something.

Rubbing noise returned, and dealer fixed.

A CUSTOMER STATES HEARS A METALLIC RUBBING NOISE WHEN MAKING LEFT AND RIGHT HAND TURNS.

VERIFIED METALLIC RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL CHECKED FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION = NORMAL PINPOINTED NOISE TO RACK SENT - CAR APRAT/LOWER COVER OFF
RUMA CASE# 16538847. PERFORMED CHF 11S FLUID CONVERSION/SYSTEM FLUSH PERFORMED PROCEDURE AS OUTLINED IN PUMA CASE LET FLUID COOL DOWN.
PERFORMED PROCEDURE A 2ND TIME AND AFTER HEATING FLUID UP TO 100 DEG WHEEL WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. LET FLUID COOL DOWN FLUID IS METALLIC (LOOKS LIKE MERCURY).

REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP. FLUSHED POWER STEERING SYSTEM PERFORMED HEAT UP/COOL DOWN CYCLE SUCCESSFULLY ROAD TESTED=OK.

CAUSE:
G32 REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP

3 82-11-1-468-041 PENTOSIN CHF 11S
1 71-21-2-122-171 LABEL
1 64-50-1-468-463 64508390601
1 07-12-9-952-107 CLAMP/SPEC!
1 07-12-9-952-109 CLAMP/RECALL
1 32-41-6-766-702 PUMP
3 82-11-1-468-041 PENTOSIN CHF 11S
1 32-41-1-097-164 OIL CARRIER
1 07-12-9-952-107 CLAMP/SPEC!
1 07-12-9-952-109 CLAMP/RECALL
1 64-50-1-468-463 64508390601

Hey wuzin, any idea on what the charge would have been if not under warranty?

My steering noise, which started out like a swooshing, denim-rubbing sound has progressed into a very heavy, almost resistant steering wheel. As I turn the wheels about 75%, it gets to a point where the wheel doesn't want to turn, then I get sort of a clunk in the steering wheel. The rubbing noise is pretty much gone, but now having other issues. Fluid levels look fine, but worry about a mercury appearance to it. Will verify in the morning.

Just had this exact same noise...dealer tried loads of stuff, and eventually replaced steering rack - all sorted. Check for uneven tyre wear on outer edges if it's been happening for a while as an issue with the steering rack can also be caught here too.