knocking noise on steering rack on my x5
 

hi guys just got my first x5 its 2001 model.

i have a problem theres a knocking noise when your turn wheel seems to be comming from both sides.

had a look underneath and the sound seems to be comming from the steering rack i got someone to turn wheel and if i place my finger on the rack i can feel a vibration on the steering rack when you hear the knocking noise.

i removed the big plate underneith my x5 and i also removed the rubber boot off the steering rack i noticed there was no grease in the boot? is the boot suppost to be packed out with grease?

heres a short video i took in the dark you can see the steering rack removed boot & hear the noise when you turn the wheel.
DSCN0362 - YouTube

i know on some racks you can adjust it with the adjustment screw on rack, can you also do it on the x5 rack?

You sure you tie rods arent whooped and thats the clunk your hearing?

i removed the tie rod assembley off the wheel caliper and the noise is still comming from the rack, from the side i took the tie rod off wheel caliper.

i did notice the tie rod just flops around but the noise is still there from the rack with even with it dissconnected from wheel caliper. :(

heres a video i took today which you can see better in video as was in daylight.

you can see the tie rod is removed but still have noise as seen in video.

DSCN0363 - YouTube

i heard some steering racks you can adjust them by a screw but not sure if its possible on the x5 rack.

Simple stuff first, Have you checked your fluid?

yes check fluid and its full. last owner filled it to the top. i did notice when i full lock the steering wheel the fluid leaks out the botom of the cap.

i thought maybe this way down to just being too full and its a overflow because it maybe to full mate.

I agree with the too full idea. Now when the rack was moving the way it was, was your friend moving the wheel back and forth? Or was it at lock? From what I have read some power racks do have a adjustment. Honestly never looked close enough at mine to notice if it does though. If it is it would have a hex nut with a allen in the middle towards the front driver side of the rack. Typically.

hi mate my friend was moving the wheel back and forth when the steering wheel was at full lock. it only makes this sound when turning the steering wheel. and not in a straight line.

i have checked the inner tie rod with outer tie rod still attched and it flops around and heard its suppost to be stiff and stay in once place when you move it.

you can see the tie rod how it flops down in my video here DSCN0363 - YouTube

does this mean its worn and need replacing? i pulled on it and there dont seem to be any play on the inner or outer tie rod.

anyone have any ideas if it will need changing ?