Author Topic: 318is steering crackling noise (Read 4611 times)

Bimmer805 · « **on:** December 29, 2010, 11:26:53 PM »

hey guys today i notice when i turn my wheel from left to right it makes this crackling sound as if you were stepping on old 2x4 wood. what could it be?

carlos318is · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2011, 04:11:16 AM »

Could be a busted spring

Bimmer805 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2011, 05:07:31 PM »

Quote from: carlos318is;100022

Could be a busted spring

Like which spring?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** January 02, 2011, 09:33:03 PM »

I think Carlos is talking about an internal spring that puts pressure on the rack to keep it meshed with the pinion gear.

Check this thread out, especially post #7:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54476

Bimmer805 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2011, 01:15:30 AM »

Quote from: DesktopDave;100038

I think Carlos is talking about an internal spring that puts pressure on the rack to keep it meshed with the pinion gear.

Check this thread out, especially post #7:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54476

so its that little green spring that makes the loud noise every time?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2011, 05:17:30 PM »

No, I was thinking it's a loose rack grinding along the pinion or something like that. Does it happen when the car is stopped, moving, or both? If it happens with the car still (and it isn't the pump or a bent pump bracket) I'd try to figure it out just from where the sound is coming from. Can you narrow it down?

Bimmer805 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 04, 2011, 12:27:38 AM »

it happens both when still and moving

DesktopDave · « **Reply #7 on:** January 04, 2011, 07:16:13 AM »

I'd try putting it up on jacks - if the noise is still there when the front end is unloaded like that, check the rack carefully. If the noise goes away, check the pump or upper bearings on the struts. I'm betting on the pump. The BMW P/S system is famous for failures.

Bimmer805 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 04, 2011, 11:31:51 PM »

thanks dave but i doubt its the pump because before it use to make a small whine and when i topped off the resivor with fluid the noise went away but ill do this procedure this weekend and ill keep you posted dave thanks for the help

sailer6460 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 13, 2011, 10:53:05 AM »

Is the noise more pronounced at low speed and then goes away as speed increases? Does it sound like it's coming from one side more than the other? Open the hood and stand outside the car with the engine running and have someone turn the wheel, put your hands on the strut towers and if you feel a popping or roughness in them it's the upper strut bearings.