Steering/Suspension creak when cold

AU-bmw335i · 10-21-2019, 11:12 PM

My 2008 e90 has developed a creak which sounds like it is coming from the steering column or behind the firewall, but I have been unable to track it down. It only occurs when its cold and is noticably louder on cold mornings.

I have lubed the column and been under the car and tightened every suspension and steering bolt I can find and it makes no difference.

Example of the noise (not my videos, but the same sound).

One of the youtube comments indicates a failed strut, but I can't see how a strut can show those symptoms.

Anyone had this issue and fixed it?

badmanners · 11-01-2019, 05:54 PM

Try lubing the top strut mount bearings with some spray oil, use a fair bit and see if that helps. A cheap way to eliminate it.

drawz · 11-12-2019, 08:24 PM

My e61 did this and it was the strut mount. I didn't believe it either until I replaced it.

10-21-2019, 11:12 PM	#1
AU-bmw335i New Member 3 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 08 335i sedan Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: Sydney AU iTrader: (0)	Steering/Suspension creak when cold My 2008 e90 has developed a creak which sounds like it is coming from the steering column or behind the firewall, but I have been unable to track it down. It only occurs when its cold and is noticably louder on cold mornings. I have lubed the column and been under the car and tightened every suspension and steering bolt I can find and it makes no difference. Example of the noise (not my videos, but the same sound). One of the youtube comments indicates a failed strut, but I can't see how a strut can show those symptoms. Anyone had this issue and fixed it?
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11-01-2019, 05:54 PM	#2
badmanners Enlisted Member 9 Rep 49 Posts Drives: 335i E92 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	Try lubing the top strut mount bearings with some spray oil, use a fair bit and see if that helps. A cheap way to eliminate it.
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11-12-2019, 08:24 PM	#3
drawz Second Lieutenant 78 Rep 239 Posts Drives: 06 330xi 6MT, 08 535xiT 6MT Join Date: May 2009 Location: Newton, MA iTrader: (0)	My e61 did this and it was the strut mount. I didn't believe it either until I replaced it.
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