Weird scratching noises on startup - can someone point me in the right direction?

RG.PT · #1 01-14-2016, 04:21 PM

Hi, for 3 months my 3.0L had been running without a problem.
After 2 weeks away during Christmas, it now makes this weird, sort of scratching noises when it starts. It is more noticeable when turning the steering wheel, but one can still hear something's wrong without moving anything.

After 10 minutes driving you can't hear anything anymore. Stopping to put gas (i.e. a couple of minutes stop) also doesn't bring the noise back...

Here are a couple of videos. The sound is not the best but hopefully enough for someone to have an idea of what's happening.
The noise is clearly coming from the engine compartment and not from the inside (steering column / wheel).

https://www.dropbox.com/s/clslduq6ib...es1_Public.MOV

https://www.dropbox.com/s/tdks8ffhc2...es2_Public.MOV

1) Can someone help with what is wrong?
2) Is it something that needs to be repaired urgently or can I drive on it until finding time to repair it?
3) Is it a relatively easy DIY fix or should I leave it to the professionals?

If anyone knows what's happening, has suggestions or ideas on how to find it out, I sure appreciate your help.

Thanks,
PR

David.X5 · #2 01-14-2016, 08:08 PM

Low on power steering fluid? Or PS pump going bad

TECN1K · #3 01-14-2016, 08:22 PM

heard that sound many many times. check your fluid level

wpoll · #4 01-14-2016, 08:47 PM

Yep, PS fluid is low - I nearly crapped myself when I first heard that noise about two weeks after buying my X5. Turned out to be a simple remedy. BTW, don't overfill the PS reservoir. Messy. DAMHIK.

David.X5 · #5 01-14-2016, 08:56 PM

If you don't know already, BMW has used a couple different fluids for power steering. The cap on the reservoir will say. Most of us need CHF11S. It's green. Not universal... Amazon sells it if you can't find it locally.

wpoll · #6 01-14-2016, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by David.X5

If you don't know already, BMW has used a couple different fluids for power steering. The cap on the reservoir will say. Most of us need CHF11S. It's green. Not universal... Amazon sells it if you can't find it locally.

Well who knew?

Fortunately, my 3.0d uses ATF - says so on the cap and in the manual. Phew...

RG.PT · #7 01-15-2016, 11:28 AM

Thanks everyone! You made my day!

Checked the reservoir and it was below minimum. My cap says "ATF".
Searching a bit showed that I should use some Dexron III AFT, which I bought at a nearby NAPA. Went for Valvoline, as it was either that or the NAPA branded one. Added it, and noise be gone!

Now I have to figure out where I have a leak and how to fix it. First it will take a couple of days for some of the fluid that spilled when filling to disappear. Then I'll start looking for the leak, but the whole thing is so tight (at least from above) that it doesn't look like it will be very easy.

Once again, thank you for the help. This forum is awesome!

PR

David.X5 · #8 01-15-2016, 11:33 AM

Love it when a plan comes together! I replaced a leaky high pressure hose over the summer. Was leaking near the pump, but after degreasing, I could see it was the actual hose leaking.

Also, the clamps and hose ends where the hoses attach to the bottom of the reservoir (both are low pressure) sometimes crumble and leak. Definitely check there

RG.PT · #9 01-15-2016, 11:43 AM

Thanks David.X5,
How did you do your check? Can you do it from above or did you have to do it from below the engine compartment?
I didn't spend much time on it today (raining) but it looked pretty tight in there from above to be able to check anything properly...

Thanks,
PR

David.X5 · #10 01-15-2016, 12:10 PM

Mine was greasy and impossible to find the leak initially, so I sprayed "foamy engine cleaner" on the power steering hoses and bottom of the power steering reservoir and hosed that off (regular hose, not pressure washer) and let it dry. Maybe do this 2 days in a row to get it really clean. Pay attention to a couple of important things - don't spray engine cleaner or water on electrical connectors, and also avoid the top of the power steering reservoir (it is not sealed - it has a vent hole, which would allow cleaner or water down into the reservoir). Some people even cover these critical areas with aluminum foil. That is a good practice.

Then wait a day or two to go looking for your leak.

I used a flashlight and mirror to check under the power steering reservoir. You can see that area without taking anything apart. If that looks ok, you will have to remove the plastic trim piece under the radiator (around 10 small screws all together) to check the other hoses and pump.