"POP" sound when steering my X

[dbox]

i have an 04 4.4i with the same issues. took it to the dealer they replaced all kind of things. got my x back.... same thing still happens. i'll eventually take it back, it's the 3series loaners that keep me hesitant

[tsagg]

I've had this happen now just 3-4 times over the past week. never had a problem before. My X5 has 28,000 miles and is a 2002. I took it in to the dealer a few weeks ago to look at a clunk problem on the front end. They wound up replacing my stearing rod assembly. Now I have the same POP sound the others have experienced. When I take off from a dead stop with the wheel turned hard to the left (like when backing out of a driveway) I get a quick POP on the first acceleration.

Besides steved's air bubble explanation and dwaynemosley's wheel bearing flange explanation, has anyone received a difinitive BMW answer or fix on this issue?

Also, where can I go to see the BMW service bulletins?

[DINANM3]

Yea where can ifind these service actions. I would like to print them out and take them to the dealer. And i dont care what the dealer says. Even if they say the sound is normal and it posses no risk. That is bullcrap. Ive had alot of BMWs and never even once have i ever heard a noise like that before. And how can a loud clunk be normal. Something that is not right is causing. and now mine does it when driving hard in corners also. Does anyone have the right answer for this problem or a real fix. My service dept at my dealer are a bunch of idiots. I need help.

[igosal]

I also had almost the same problem. The click sound was coming from the front. Also the vehicle was steering to right only at 20 miles and lower after slamming the brakes. I took it to the dealer and he replaced both R/I struts and both sway bar links (old one had bad ball and sockets) as there was a play, as per him. For steering problem, he replaced both front and rear pads although they were replaced 10000 miles ago. Never mind as long as it is warranty 4/50000 miles. Now drive is fine. I love my X5.

[cls530]

Hi Guys, I have had the popping problem and it is totally different to a clunk.
I have a 4.4 V8 X5 2004 model and I noticed the popping noise while I was doing an engine oil change . (routine stuff right) How this noise started was when I noticed the Power Steering reservoir was leaking from the bottom connecting tubes/hoses. I looked in the reservoir and noticed the fluid level was low and then when I turned the steering wheel (with Engine on) it created this popping noise. It is due to air entering the power steering system. It then gets pumped through the whole steering rack and can cause this noise on the way back out.
Solution, replace or tighten the hose clamp assemblies feeding the steering rack and pump.(see if this is leaking as often the factory clamps come loose replace clamps with new ones if required) then drain and refill the entire system with new power steering fluid. Once its full you will notice the noise never comes back.

The clunks on the other hand can be due to many steering related under-car components (and suspension components) mentioned in this post and elsewhere on this site. I would suggest putting it up on a hoist and observing whats happening while the wheels/ steering is being moved about. If you're not sure then take it to a good BMW specialist.

I hope this helps some of you.

regards

[Nik]

Originally Posted by Steved

If it's a 'pop' (or perhaps a clunk) sound when you are steering the car at full lock, say turning around in a car park, then it's probably the same as mine. I've looked into this and it's caused by an air bubble in the power steering pipe. It happens on some cars and not others but it was one of the many things I had BMW GB extensively investigate and it's not fixable (unless you replace the power steering system). But the good news in my case is that it's not dangerous. Get yours checked and suggest this to them and see what they say.

do you fill a little hit too? when wheel is turned all the way and noise comes? mine has that. my case is very simmilar to yours. should i have dealer look at it? and also little vibration when turning wheel on car parked. but that may be something else in addition.

[Big "J"]

Nik... Did you ever figure out the popping noise in the front suspension when turning your steering wheel?

After replacing the sway bar bushings and links, I have this popping when turning to the left? I loosened and re-torqued the bolts for the bushings but, didn't do the links yet as I didn't over tighten them?

Thanks!!

[cfmistry]

I've done upper and lower control arms, and the sway end-links. Still have the pop when I turn left. Going to try the white lithium spray later today and see if that helps. From all my searching over the past 2 years the best answer I've found is that it's a worn bushing in the steering column that requires extensive labor to change.

[Kewl X5]

Retighten and retorque all subframe bolts...trust me. That will get rid of the "popping" noise when turning left.