[pjb515]

Hi all,
When turning the wheel, there's a grating/chirping sound and I can feel it in the steering wheel. Only on sharp turns for example a 3-point turn, not around a regular curve at speed. Location-wise, the sound seems to originate from about where the firewall is, meaning it's not coming from the part of the steering assembly in the cabin, nor from down further into the engine compartment. At first it seemed to go away as the day wore on (I'm currently an Uber driver) but now it does it all day (Problem started a few weeks ago). I dropped it off at the mechanic this morning for diagnosis. They determined it's the steering rack and will need to replace the whole thing. However, yesterday and today were unseasonably warm, about 55 degrees, and there's been no noise when turning. If it was the steering rack, wouldn't it do it at any temperature?

2007 328i E90 automatic trans, N52 engine, 160,000 miles.

[Jesda]

In my case, it turned out to be the column boot in the cabin by the firewall. Only happened while parking. Started as a squeak and became a loud rubbing sound, as if the column was grinding.

Removing the knee board and squirting lithium grease (a LOT) down the top of the rubber sleeve down the column fixed it. There's a thread I found here that had photos and a description.

[pjb515]

Thanks, Jesda. I searched and found a bunch of threads but only one with a youtube video posted as fix, is this it? If not, and you think you can find it again, please do and let me know. Thanks!

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showt...teering+squeak

[Jesda]

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showt...teering+squeal

You don't have to remove the rubber boot like in the video, just remove the knee board, get a can of lithium grease, push the plastic spray nozzle into the top of the boot/sleeve and spray generously so it dribbles all over the inside. You may have to repeat again in a few months but eventually it'll be adequately lubricated.

[Jesda]

This video shows the rubber boot:

[pjb515]

Ok gonna try that this morning, I'll post results asap.

[pjb515]

No difference yet. I'm hoping that it needs to work in a bit? Doesn't seem like it required any time to work, judging from the videos I saw.

[pjb515]

Still making the squeaking/grinding noise. Tomorrow I'm going to remove the air filter tray and spray the hell out of the steering column with the lithium spray.

[Jesda]

In my case, no time was needed. It improved right away.

[pjb515]

Yeah, I figured as much. I'm also not expecting more lubricant to change anything but it's my last shot before replacing the vehicle. Other than the steering noise it runs and looks great. I'd been thinking about going back to an SUV so now would be the time.
If anyone wants to buy my car (I'm located in Weymouth, Mass.) shoot me a message.

[pjb515]

No change after spraying more lubricant in more areas.
This "Mechanic's special" is now for sale!

[Jesda]

What did they quote you for a new rack?

[pjb515]

They didn't call back yet. It's a small garage down the street and I know everyone by sight; they know I'm not in a hurry and since I've made my decision, I haven't called them. If by some miracle it's only a few hundred dollars then I'd do it but back in the 80's, I was quoted $1800 for a steering rack so that's what I'm basing my decision on in regards to selling the car. Also I have been wanting to switch back to an SUV, this is the time to do it.

[marvinstockman]

There are seals in the left and right arms of the rack, and if they are now 'stiff', they do get stiffer when cold, just like I do.

See if the shop can remove some steering fluid, and throw in some seal lubricant. Certainly worth a try, and if it doesn't work, you can still sell it. Note, it might take a few days for the lubricant/softener to work.

[pjb515]

It's another warm day in Massachusetts, no noise at all coming from steering wheel. Yesterday it was quiet too. It was probably mid 40's yesterday. Today has been warmer.

[pjb515]

Originally Posted by marvinstockman

There are seals in the left and right arms of the rack, and if they are now 'stiff', they do get stiffer when cold, just like I do.

See if the shop can remove some steering fluid, and throw in some seal lubricant. Certainly worth a try, and if it doesn't work, you can still sell it. Note, it might take a few days for the lubricant/softener to work.

Can't I remove some of the fluid? How much? And what is the seal lubricant you're referring to?

[marvinstockman]

PJB, in 1968 to 1969, I was stationed at the Naval Air Station, in South Weymouth, and I was also an enlisted member. Go figure.

That said, I'd call BMW and see if they have a seal softener that you can use in your power steering system. Otherwise, try a NAPA store and ask at the counter.

You can remove fluid from the power steering reservoir with a turkey baster. Your wife might be willing to give you one of hers. Just don't use it for turkey again.

[pjb515]

Hey Marvin,
Grew up a couple miles from the airfield and watched the yearly air show from our back yard, although sometimes we'd go over there. My father ended up working there (Civilian) on weapons systems until they closed it in '85. It's slowly being developed, with some condos and stuff. They kept the mounted jet at the entrance, which is great! If you ever get the chance, drive through it and you'll be amazed at the changes.
I'm way ahead of you on the turkey baster. I'll follow your advice on calling the stealership about the sealant and go from there. Thanks!

[pjb515]

Originally Posted by marvinstockman

PJB, in 1968 to 1969, I was stationed at the Naval Air Station, in South Weymouth, and I was also an enlisted member. Go figure.

That said, I'd call BMW and see if they have a seal softener that you can use in your power steering system. Otherwise, try a NAPA store and ask at the counter.

You can remove fluid from the power steering reservoir with a turkey baster. Your wife might be willing to give you one of hers. Just don't use it for turkey again.

Dealer didn't have anything like a sealant so I went with Bar's Power Steering Repair but no difference - see my next post below.

[pjb515]

One of my Uber passengers reminded me about the BMW wizard nearby and since the mechanic down the street hasn't called back with steering rack estimate yet I went to the aforementioned guys. I told them about the noise and they came right out to the car, popped the hood and pointed at the strut mount while one turned the wheel. That's what it is! It's so obvious now that someone showed it to me (I talked to a couple places to get second opinions on steering rack but they didn't come to the car to listen).
They're going to do both strut mounts next week and estimated $700.

Like I said, I heard about this shop previously and I'm so glad I went there, felt good about the whole thing right away. If anyone is interested, it's John's Car Care in Cohasset, Mass. They fix other cars too.

[marvinstockman]

If the strut mounts are just squeaky and not torn, apply a rubber safe runny silicone lube and see if the squeak goes away. I'll give you a money back guarantee.

[pjb515]

Originally Posted by marvinstockman

If the strut mounts are just squeaky and not torn, apply a rubber safe runny silicone lube and see if the squeak goes away. I'll give you a money back guarantee.

Thanks much, I'll try that to get through the week (Uber passengers do NOT want to feel like there's a steering problem in the car), but I'm going with what the guys were saying about the mounts being old. I'm still gonna sell the car at some point and I don't want to hand off that problem.