Creaking steering?!

[IK.]

My steering creaks! I'm guessing this isn't normal, and I'm facing a big bill?

When at low speeds you can really hear it. Due to the engine and the exhaust, I've not heard it during driving at high speeds.

It's not a creak from the steering wheel itself, but sounds like it's coming from the steering column!!

Is this normal, or should I be prepared for the worst?

It is very audible, and is definitely to do with the steering, as it only creaks when I steer, and doesn't do it when the wheel isn't moving.

 

[IK.]

Should explain, it's kind of a creaky, clicky sound. Definitely not inside the steering wheel - seems to be coming from the column itself.

 

[daz05]

I get this too, would love to know why.

Started on mine after I fitted the Eibachs and adjusted my camber. Common on the E46 and I thought maybe something to do with AR bar links. Also heard it can be low power steering fluid but mine is near max.

 

[IK.]

Fluid is fine, but it's running Eibachs and CSLs, so perhaps could be that. Seems to be the actual steering though, because even if dry steering, it makes a creaky click sound. It's multiple clicks, rather than just one.

 

[IK.]

To explain more, if turning one whole turn, it'll click about 15 times. Is that what you get Daz?

 

[playalistic]

Get the bushes sorted If there is any play in the joints you'll get this noise.

 

[daz05]

Fluid is fine, but it's running Eibachs and CSLs, so perhaps could be that. Seems to be the actual steering though, because even if dry steering, it makes a creaky click sound. It's multiple clicks, rather than just one.

Same mods as mine and same symptoms, interesting. What you are describing is as per the noise I get. Could well be bushes as Playa has said. Mines in for Ins 2 soon so will ask them to look then but let me know if you find out.

 

[IK.]

Did it do it when you had it Ben? If so, then I'm less worried! I just don't want a big expense like major steering problems, I.e. steering column.

 

[IK.]

Daz, does yours click lots, like it's coming from the rack, say 15 times(ish) for one rotation?

 

[daz05]

Mine sounds like it's coming from behind the fire wall clicks a bit when I pull out of spaces I don't think its a steering rack issue. I doubt yours is either.

 

[IK.]

Cheers Daz. Sounds like what mine is doing... Clicking as I move the steering wheel as I come out of a space or whatever.

I guess I'll need to get it booked in for replacement bushes as a first port of call, but I'll also have to take the warranty out with BMW I think, otherwise I could be in for a big bill if it isn't the bushes.

Anyone know roughly what it'd cost for bushes to be replaced?

 

[IK.]

Which bushes should I be replacing to try and fix it? There are loads of bushes in the front of the car, and I am clueless. BMW have recommended changing the drop links potentially as well.

 

[PawnSacrifice]

The ones with play in them. A mechanic should be able to tell you. Or they may just be creaky - that does happen some times too. Mine is just creaking a little at the moment, suspect some are on the way out as I've not felt it through the steering while driving. The cold won't be helping as it makes the rubber harder - first thing this morning mine were a little creaky going into work, coming home, barely anything. Was about 10 degrees warmer this evening.

 

[IK.]

I'm just dubious that it would make the steering click/creak though. I can understand it making it creak over bumps, etc - which incidentally the car also does (when going slow getting into my street, for example, which has a steep incline - I have to go slow, and it creaks, a lot).

Obviously the concern is that the steering system itself could be knackered, so it's kind of hard knowing how to approach BMW with it. Do I take it in and just say 'there's a noise', which is basically an invitation for them to open my wallet, or do I try and self-diagnose somehow...

 

[PawnSacrifice]

I'd go in and explain the noise, maybe suggest you think it's the bushes... if you think they're going to do you for something that's not wrong you need a new garage!

The noise on mine doesn't really happen in a straight line, it's at slow speed usually when the wheel is turned under braking at slow speed. Will be watching with interest to see how you get on.

 

[IK.]

Well, just the concern that any garage could take you for a ride, I guess. I'll let you know how I get on at BMW - they've been good to me in the past with trying to identify issues at no cost. Makes sense to ask them to do a whole health check on the car and get any other faults rectified now rather than later.

 

[pvr]

It is all those u-turns that the previous owner used to make that wore the steering out .... :evil:

 

[Ewazix]

Worth reading this with thanks to our friends at Bimmerforums, I lubed all the UJs and other points mentioned bar the top slip ring and cured mine.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245961

 

[BMWZ4MC]

IK, don't fret so much! I have the same mods and the same creak...typically reversing out of a parking space on a hill, or braking suddenly whilst manoeuvring. My car passed the MOT with no advisories, and my mechanic had no concerns about the car at inspection II. It hasn't deteriorated in 5,000 miles...

If you want a reliable indy who really knows his stuff, and don't mind a 75mile drive to Amersham in Buckinghamshire, I cannot recommend Phil Crouch at CPC Performance Engineering highly enough: http://www.cpcpe.com/page1.html

Sorry to hear that this has put a dampener on ///M ownership

 

[IK.]

It's not just when reversing though, it's forward, backwards, sidewards... Ok, not sidewards!

But it's a very audible creak/click... Is that what you're getting? It's very hard to be sure that other people are hearing the same noise, but it does seem everyone with the same mods is experiencing the same, so perhaps it's nothing to worry about at all. To explain further, it's almost like the steering is based on a 'notch' system, and for each turn, it will notch over one more and give one click/creak. Do it faster, and it'll creak faster, but the same amount of clicks.

I guess I'll need to keep up the warranty just in case.