[shane55]

Hi chaps, I've got a strange clunking sound when I go full lock in both directions, it only happens when you do full lock and Immediately release. When you go full lock-release you get the clunk! Any ideas?

Car 2006 330d M Sport
63k mls

Shane.

[Frobius]

I think mine does that too.

[eddiem74]

Sound like this?

[shane55]

Yes!! Sounds very similar if not the same! What is it?

[Dr Dave]

My god that sounds bloody awful!

[Jedimindtrix]

I think mine does that, I just thought it was normal.

[eddiem74]

Originally Posted by shane55

Yes!! Sounds very similar if not the same! What is it?

"Could be" steering rack related. I have that same noise in mine and have been told I need a new steering rack however cannot replicate as shown in the video but can when on a ramp. Do you have any play in the steering?

While researching if steering rack or not, etc... I came across a number of threads talking about the issue being present when turning the wheel.

So you might want to get a suspension/steering inspection to confirm?

Note: I am not a mechanic or much of a car DIY'er so just passing on what I have found.

[shane55]

This is the noise, the clunk clunk is me holding and releasing full lock

[335DEE]

Originally Posted by shane55

This is the noise, the clunk clunk is me holding and releasing full lock

Normal

[xenon]

Relief valve.

[Dr Dave]

Originally Posted by xenon

Relief valve.

Can't be the PRV as the system is devoid of pressure as the engine isn't running.

Does it make the same noise if the engine is running??

[shane55]

The engine is running while it clunks!! See video in post above

Shane

[magic77]

Originally Posted by eddiem74

Sound like this?

Sorry to say same thing happened to my e46 after I hit a pothole while going right on a roundabout. Result was a new steering rack.

Had same issue about replicating it turned out it would only do it when cold and engine not running otherwise you couldnt hear it over the diesel clutter. As soon as I got it to make the sound and mine did it with wheels straight it took about 20 sec to get a new rack approved

[xenon]

Originally Posted by Dr Dave

Can't be the PRV as the system is devoid of pressure as the engine isn't running.

Amazing. He's got a car that runs along quite happily at 20 mph with the engine not running. I wish my car did that.

[Dr Dave]

Wanker. I'm talking about the video above where the engine isn't running and the noise is heard.

[xenon]

Charming. I was referring to the link of the car in question.

[Josh1a1h]

My car does that every now and then. But only under certain conditions. Usually when coming to a stop with the wheels turned slightly. But my steering otherwise is fine. No play etc..

[nathan330i]

steering groan!

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my wife reversed car into skip, how do you miss a ten tonne bright yellow skip? Anyway having the damage repaired, the guy at the garage said that there was a groan on the steering(fullish lock) at low speeds i.e when setting off/parking at low speeds. He also complained about the steering being very heavy. He said the tyres were only at 15 psi. I have to admit Ive never checked them in a year (sorry)which I will do In future.
The body-shop guy who is really friendly and honest has a 530i and he thinks the steering is much lighter on his, I am a bit ham fisted and really like the heavy steering as it feels like I am doing something, I really don't want light steering or I might as well get a Hyundai i10?.
Having said that we are going on a family holiday to France approx, 1000mls each way, I am concerned if there are any well documented faults? such as steering rack or power steering pump? my sprinter van and previous cars have all made similar noises on full lock, any suggestions appreciated

Nathan

[bmwak]

Is yours a electric or hydraulic steering system? Electric ones have a known fault (dealers should know about it) and they will usually replace the steering rack. The new part is modified to prevent this issue.