racerx2

2000 ES300 Platinum Edition. Steering wheel whines in this high pitched noise. It happens primarily when cold but quite often regardless. 188K on the car, lubes the steering column, can't figure out why. Thoughts anyone?

I agree, sounds like a strut top and mount assembly. I have a 2000 ES as well and replaced, pulled apart and repaired until I got it right. The top needs to be replaced.

I have the same problem on my 2000 ES, it will require a new switch set. Pretty affordable if you find your year on eBay.