My 2008 tC finally decided to start showing some age. My steering wheel has been ailing for a while -months ago, the lights that illuminate the radio controls stopped working, but the buttons were still fine. Later, the horn would sometimes not work, and finally, not at all. Last week the radio control buttons stopped working altogether, and today, things got worse.

When turning the wheel, I hear a distinct cracking sound behind it. My first thought, given the seeming electrical problems, was a vibrant fireworks show hidden behind the wheel of blue sparks, building up to a crescendo of the wheel exploding in my face in a fiery display of dashed dreams and bygone hopes. Death may be a blessing, lest I witness my tC's untimely passing.

I may well take it to the dealer soon, but I wondered if anyone has any insight about this. For all I know it's a dumb cable back in there that got frayed. Or maybe the issue with the buttons/horn and the clicking are distinct. From poking around online some say it could be a CV joint.

If anybody knows anything about this issue, I would GREATLY appreciate your knowledge and comments.