steering wheel noise
 

when i turn my wheels, i get a noise, very similar to "wind" noise. what's causing this and how can i fix it?

Check the suspension pieces -- ie turn the wheel with someone outside the car to isolate the noise -- a noise was how I knew my control arm was going bad.

no no it's not the suspension pieces... just got'em replaced. it's just a small noise from the steering wheel itself (inside)

I recently lowered and put new poly thrust arm bushes.. When i turn the wheel to the right (say to turn into a parking lot or any right slow movement) i get a screeching noise. How can u be sure its control arm? any other ideas, sorry for highjack

Some one had sent me a relavant thread for this issue, but I can't find that thread for some reason. :( The guy had the same problem and fixed it buy replacing some sorta a ring (very very cheap part)... Welcome on board DPGx5 :)

Here is a thread, (and there are other similar & connected ref threads);

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...ing-noise.html

And, a general list of possible relevant threads:
Xoutpost.com - Search Results

5 sec hunt using Search Tab, and a couple mins of reading through the relevant
threads. Slip ring/clockspring parts seem to be the culprit, though I remember
some posters using a silicone based spray to alleviate the noise, for awhile.
GL,mD

which one is it from the picture?

check your power steering reservoir. could have a leak somewhere.

Dunno...did you read the thread link I gave you? :rolleyes:

That thread ref's PN# Part# 613-183-790-91
and, it is called Switch unit, steering column ...

I don't guarantee that is the right part or, fix.
But, worth a try, or do more reading.

I'm just trying to point you in the right direction...

Steering column has a colar you can replace if the power tilt/telescope makes noise

do you have the part number?

If anyone solves the squealing sqweaking steering wheel issue please let us know...

Mine is definetly not suspension related parts and once the dealer fixed this problem with a "seal replacement - warranty" but the service ticket does not have any other info like the part numbers etc.

#7 in your diagram.

..however, I fixed my squeaking by removing the airbag and shooting a good amount of lube down the hallow shaft. There is a bearing down there you can't access, so by doing that It got soaked in lube. That fixed the noisy problem for me, and in addition the steering wheel became easier to turn, especially in low speed turns.

I have to tell you though...you may have another culprit. If you can shoot it and youtube it here, that would help for others to hear the noise and diagnose it properly.

Power Steering Noise
 

Try replacing the power sterring fluid.

Buy a Quart Bottle of Transmission Castrol Dex II or III
Buy a Turkey Base Suction.

suck all the fluid out off reservooir and fill with to the line. Drive it for a day and redo it for about 3 times.

The noise will go away.

turkey base suction... huh? i used that couple of days ago... hahah

I've had the same problem ever since the dealer replaced my steering rack. Only squeeks when turning the wheel to the right, never to the left. Doesn't matter if I'm moving or stationary. I can turn the wheel full lock to the left with no noise but the moment I start turning the steering wheel to the right it squeals again. My 7 yr jokes about it, says it sounds like I have a cat under the dash meowing. Dealer now says "they all do it", but never made the noise until they replace the steering rack.

Check your power steering fluid level - mine was making a racket at around 800rpm, with vibes through the steering wheel too, but would disappear over 1,100rpm. I checked the fluid and it was very low, so topping it up fixed it!

I also have steering wheel noise, is worst when turning to the left. It is a high pitched sound, not very loud but definitely noticeable. The sounds is similar to the sound new corduroy pants make when your legs rub together. I made an appointment with dealer for Mon./14th. I'll post back when I get the verdict.

Dani any news? Very interested

Thank you

X5 e53 2006
Sorry for the slow post, it's such a busy time of year.
Here is the outcome of my dealer visit... as per my invoice, it looks like they addressed two service bulletins.

" 30236 steering gear noisey verify, perform SIB 32 17 08, lubricate slip rings and dust cover, noise is still there, perform SIB 32 07 08 add lubrizol treatment to power steering resevior, noise should be eliminated in a few days.
1 83-29-0-447-661 additive, Lubrizol"

I believe all of this work was done from the engine compartment, nothing was done with the steering column itself. As of today the noise is 99% eliminated, I still hear the noise just a little when turning the wheel completely. I'll give it till after the holidays to decide if I am satisfied with the repair. There was no charge to me as this was covered by warranty.

I fixed my problem by replacing the left hand lower control arm. Most likely it is the control arm. When the joint of control arm starts to fail, after your car has run for a while (the joint has been heated up), you will find some minor noise when you turning steering wheel only. As time goes by, the status of the control arm deteriorates, the noise will get louder and the time for heating up the joint will get shorter, finally the noise will appear not only when you turn your steering wheel but also when your car is running. But all of it happens only after the joint is heated up.

roger, i had replaced the control arms... so it's something else.

dani's recovery seems more like mine. how's it doing now?

No worries... Thank you for such a quick respond we all apreciate your time to shar his with us. I hope someday they make a new part that cures this noise for good instead of just lube

Happy Holidays

I had this problem too. It is related to the spiral behind the wheel in the column. The noise was really bad when I was in the bay area, but when I went back to desert, the noise went away. It seemed to increase with the extra moisture.

Also had this issue. Seems to come and go.

This sound more like what I am experiencing. Did they ever "fix" it?

Here is an update to my last post:
After driving around town today I have decided that my steering wheel noise is NO better then it was before the Lubrizol treatment. The strange thing is that it was definitely better the day I picked it up from the dealer but now it is making the same noise again.
It has rained hard here for the past few days and during that time I did not drive the X, maybe it does have something to do with the humidity.
Anyhow it definitely sounds like something is rubbing in the steering column. When I get back from holiday travel I will take it back to the dealer and press them to take apart the steering column.
That's my plan, what do you guys think?

Absolutely and fast... These things don't make noise normally. Something is rubbing. Unfortunately being that mine is out of warranty I have to wait till it warms up to hunt down the squeal. I seem to remember on my old 2002 4.4 X5 the same problem was a seal on the inside of the car but I can't find the warranty ticket. My current 2002 4.6 X5 has the same problem but waited till it was out on warranty.

Let us know what they replace please

UPDATE:
 

Back to the dealer for steering wheel noise not resolved with Lubrizol treatment.
As per invoice;
"Found the outer steering column shaft bearing and rubber boot were making the noise. The Lubrication did not alleviate the noise. Replaced the boot and bearing and rechecked. Noise was eliminated."
They replaced parts; 32-30-6-756-673 CUP (img #6)
32-31-6-759-546 PLASTIC RING (img #3)
[ATTACH]39098[/ATTACH

Sidenote: had wood trim piece w/ stress fracture replaced under warranty
had exterior pillar trim ,replaced (due to dent) for $112

Excellent follow-up! Thanks for posting.