Weird steering problem

[LPM320]

Howzit guys.

Came across a weird steering problem on my 328i this weekend.

From the time i got the car there has been a squeaky noise coming from behind the steering wheel when you turn it. This weekend the squeak became a twisting metal noise, kind of the noise you will get if you turn a tensioned spring the wrong way. This was accompanied by the steering getting a bit stiff and losing its self centering action completely.
Since then the problem has been coming and going. I find this annoying and dangerous. Im no expert and could be wrong, but im almost sure that the problem is behind the steering wheel itself and not with the suspension/power steering system. What could be wrong:dunno:

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks a million guys.

 

[ZlinG]

Hiyah, Not sure if my idea will help, but I just checked google. It could be either one of the followings: Steering wheel pump, CV Joints or your bushes...

I have the same sound when my car starts from cold, but when the car is warm, then I don't hear the noise. Only when I turn my steering wheel and lock it. So it could be my CV Joint as mentioned over google.

Hope this helps, otherwise ask a technician to check for you.

 

[BMW M]

So it could be my CV Joint as mentioned over google.

Uhm... BMW's dont have CV's on their front suspension...rear wheel drive kind of eliminates that... :slap:

Check the universal type joint on the steering colum that goes down to the the steering rack... There is a rubber damper that gets warn and will cause the symptoms you describe. :thumb:

 

[LPM320]

Thanks for the responses guys.

Zling: I think if it is was the pump or associated suspension components then the noise would be from under the car. This is from more the steering shaft itself. I dont think cv's are the issue here as all bmw's are RWD.

BMW M: Did some searching on google and found out that the bearings in the steering column gets dry after a while and causes some heavy friction. The steering shaft itself is hollow and transmits the noise up, so it seems that the noise is coming from just behind the steering wheel. Didnt see anything about the rubber joint, but will definetely give that a check as well.