Steering Wheel Rubbing Noise
 

Hey everyone,

I am experiencing a rubbing noise, like denim rubbing together whenever I turn my steering wheel. Searching the threads, I found some other members had a similar problem. I was wondering if anyone had any updates on this. I have a 2002, do you think I could get this checked out by the dealer, and replace any necessary parts under CPO? Thanks.

check this thread, especially post #19
http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ighlight=denim

I don't think that we have the same noise. It seems like you are experiencing a squeaking noise, while I am experiencing a rubbing noise.

is the rubbing noise coming from within the steering wheel itself or the steering machanicals down in the engine bay/suspension?
i also have a 2002 and have a rubbing noise in the steering wheel and i believe it is the ribbon cable for the airbag and controls. it is an absolutely royal PITA to get out and from my experience there isn't much you can do about it. i put a bunch of silicon paste in there but it didn't do that much.
maybe BMW has improved the part and replacing it would cure the problem.

Most likely the clockspring. A new one should cure the problem but will require the wheel to be removed.

I had an independent mechanic take a look. They said that it was a bad clockspring. They tried to lube the wheel and clean off all the dust, but the noise is still there. $120 and about $150 for labor. Any ideas on how much the dealer would charge?

I bought one 3 years ago and it was $65 plus one hour to fit with my tame mechanic. You could do it yourself as it's not that hard.

Is the slip ring/ spring the same as the clockspring?

Bump. The dealer does not use the term clockspring? Does anyone know the alternative name by any chance? I heard something like slip spring or something. Thanks.

Pretty STUPID dealer!! Slip ring should work. Part# 613-183-790-91 (I think.)

Mine started this squeeky rubbing noise about a month ago as well. Off to the dealer as soon as some other stuff comes up.........Will keep you posted.

The heater valves are also making an interesting noise as well. A noise which only occurs when the vehicle temp is around
70-74 degrees and the ventalation fan is on. Turn the temp down to 68 the noise goes away. Up to 80 it goes away.

We (the dealer and i) isolated the noise to over active noisy water valves which makes sort of a drone humming sound. These are going to be
replaced as well. Interesting stuff for sure.

Noises are the most interesting and irritating kind of problem that can make you look dumb if you decide to memic the sound.
So i just wait until i can isolate what it is then i don't attempt to describe it. I just find it first then point it out asking
"what's that noise"....Of course my next line with a blank look on my face is "I don't need to hear that" It get's fixed. :thumbup:

Thanks Zulu95. Hope I will be able to get this problem taken care of at the dealer. I noticed that the noise gets louder as the car warms up, after I have been driving for a little bit. I drive around for a while before I drop the car off, so the noise is loud and clear. :rolleyes:

Keep us updated Quicksilver, I noticed that quite a few people have experience this squeaky, rubbing sound.

Rubbing Noise
 

I too have the good 'ol rubbing sound coming from my steering wheel. It almost sounds like rubbing denim jeans together. Is this what yours sounds like? After calling my private BMW mechanic, it sounds like clockspring/slipring is the culprit. If replacing this is the action you took, could you please let me know how much you spent. I was quoted somewhere around $800. Many thanks.

My steering wheel is making some noise as well... but it sounds more like a swishing sound...let me know as well what part you used to repair this or how much you spend at the dealer to get this fixed...that sound is starting to annoy me...

part number is good!
 

excellent! thanks for the part number. i was looking for that piece in the parts catalog and was having a hard time finding it. with the part number it was easy.

the official name for the part then is: "Switch unit steering column"

and can be seen here: http://bmwfans.info/original/E53/

I've got this issue too. When I take it in to the dealer for some other warranty work ill report back with the results. Hopefully they change out the slipring for no charge..

I had an independent mechanic check out the noise, and he said it was the clockspring. I will be taking the car to the dealer to have some other things done, and so I will have them take a look. The independent mechanic that I went to quoted me about $250 to fix. I called another mechanic, and was quoted around the same price. $800 is way over price in my opinion.

I had this same problem on my 2005 4.4i a couple of years ago. I took it in for service to look at it and they couldn't find the problem, however, driving home that same day from picking up my car, suddenly my steering was lost and we almost crashed. Turned out it was my steering box that needed to be replaced. Whether the two issues were connected or not, the service department said they couldn't say but thought there was a pretty good chance it was. The sound went on for a couple of weeks before I took it in. I would suggest further researching the steering box issue and see if there is a connection to the squeak and it going out.

Should also mention that the dealer replaced the slip ring that day only for me to leave there a have a major issue with the steering box.

I have not had my clockspring replaced yet, and noise seems to be getting louder. Is it important to replace the clockspring, or is more of a cosmetic issue, i.e. the sound? Thanks.

ALL the wheel electronic signals including the airbag signals pass through it. If noisy it must be wearing out something.

Rubbing noise returned, and dealer fixed.

A CUSTOMER STATES HEARS A METALLIC RUBBING NOISE WHEN MAKING LEFT AND RIGHT HAND TURNS.

VERIFIED METALLIC RUBBING NOISE WHEN TURNING STEERING WHEEL CHECKED FLUID LEVEL AND CONDITION = NORMAL PINPOINTED NOISE TO RACK SENT - CAR APRAT/LOWER COVER OFF
RUMA CASE# 16538847. PERFORMED CHF 11S FLUID CONVERSION/SYSTEM FLUSH PERFORMED PROCEDURE AS OUTLINED IN PUMA CASE LET FLUID COOL DOWN.
PERFORMED PROCEDURE A 2ND TIME AND AFTER HEATING FLUID UP TO 100 DEG WHEEL WAS VERY HARD TO TURN. LET FLUID COOL DOWN FLUID IS METALLIC (LOOKS LIKE MERCURY).

REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP. FLUSHED POWER STEERING SYSTEM PERFORMED HEAT UP/COOL DOWN CYCLE SUCCESSFULLY ROAD TESTED=OK.

CAUSE:
G32 REPLACED POWER STEERING PUMP

3 82-11-1-468-041 PENTOSIN CHF 11S
1 71-21-2-122-171 LABEL
1 64-50-1-468-463 64508390601
1 07-12-9-952-107 CLAMP/SPEC!
1 07-12-9-952-109 CLAMP/RECALL
1 32-41-6-766-702 PUMP
3 82-11-1-468-041 PENTOSIN CHF 11S
1 32-41-1-097-164 OIL CARRIER
1 07-12-9-952-107 CLAMP/SPEC!
1 07-12-9-952-109 CLAMP/RECALL
1 64-50-1-468-463 64508390601

Hey wuzin, any idea on what the charge would have been if not under warranty?

My steering noise, which started out like a swooshing, denim-rubbing sound has progressed into a very heavy, almost resistant steering wheel. As I turn the wheels about 75%, it gets to a point where the wheel doesn't want to turn, then I get sort of a clunk in the steering wheel. The rubbing noise is pretty much gone, but now having other issues. Fluid levels look fine, but worry about a mercury appearance to it. Will verify in the morning.

Just had this exact same noise...dealer tried loads of stuff, and eventually replaced steering rack - all sorted. Check for uneven tyre wear on outer edges if it's been happening for a while as an issue with the steering rack can also be caught here too.