On my new (to me) 97 740i, the steering wheel sqeaks when turning it . It sounds like it is coming from behind the wheel. I did a search and found this is a common problem on the 3 series and the fix is lube the lower bearing of the steering column. Is it the same for the 7 series? I t does not feel like it is binding or any other noise, just sqeaking. Does anyone know how to lube the lower bearing on the 740?
Thanks

On my new (to me) 97 740i, the steering wheel sqeaks when turning it . It sounds like it is coming from behind the wheel. I did a search and found this is a common problem on the 3 series and the fix is lube the lower bearing of the steering column. Is it the same for the 7 series? I t does not feel like it is binding or any other noise, just sqeaking. Does anyone know how to lube the lower bearing on the 740?
Thanks

My steering wheel just started doing the same thing. I don't know what to do about it. Maybe just remove it and spray in some White Lithium Grease.

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/davidc/DSC00891.JPG

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/magnum/Steering-Wheel_column_NO-wheel.JPG

If you do a search on the 3 series area. It is a common problem for them. There is a very easy fix without removing the wheel. I am going to look to see if we have the same lower bearing as they do. It is just a little annoying.

Did you find out how to stop the squeaking without removing the steering wheel.

Alan

Mine is getting worse. I think it's scraping somehow at the top. But I still don't know what it is.

I get the squeaking, but does anyone get the high pitched chirping? It sounds like theres a bird inside my power steering!

I'm getting squeaking from just left of the steering wheel it sounds like.. maybe it's the steering wheel.. if anyone figures this out post it up por favor

I get an occasional squeak as well, info in fixing it without removing the wheel would be awesome

Anyone:help

Okay guys I may be of some help here. I thought I had the same problem (squeak from steering column, not) after replacing the rotating assembly shown in plik's photo I discovered that the squeak is not coming from the steering column at all (sure sounded like it). Instead, it's coming from the cabin temperature control system. I found out by turning the fan off and the noise went away, turned it on and the noise came back. Just to prove it to myself I also did it with the car in park and not touching the steering column... Anyhow, the flapper or auto vent the opens and shuts to maintain cabin temperature is the culprit. As it became colder the noise was more frequent because the system is opening and closing the flapper? more frequently to maintain the temperature. I would assume that it would do the same with the AC on and recirc turned off in hotter weather?

Now that I've enlightened everyone, anyone have the disassembly instructions for this component? That's what I was l looking for tonight.

My problem is different I think, my steering wheel makes a scraping noise when I turn it. It's clearly caused by turning the wheel.

Mine makes the noise too. :/ Sounds kind of like a worn leather on leather squeak.

Mine does too. Doesn't bother me enough to fix it. It is a 9 y/o car.

Maybe someday I'll get one of those 3 spoke 01 sport steering wheels.

My car had that issue and i just used some WD-40 on it and it was fine from then on, just spray it around the wheel and turn in till the noise is gone. I didnt even remove the wheel, it sounds much better now.

mine only does it when i telescope it up or down

mine only does it when i telescope it up or down

Mine does that too sometimes, it's a different noise though.

How it works is there are two screws that spin to move it up and down. If you pull back the leather thing, you can actually see them spinning. You would have to look, from the top, down behind the steering column right below the dash/cluster.

so spray some WD40 in there? I have this issue with my 99 M Coupe not the 7. But same deal with BMW steering wheels.

I had the same noise when turning the steering wheel. Its more of the friction between the steering wheel and the plastic part. Without removing the steering wheel i use lithium grease. Using the small red straw provided I inserted it on the steering wheel gap (this is the back side of the steering wheel) and worked it to reach the center and sprayed around it. After that the noise was gone. BZ to M5James for that.

I fixed mine with some spray lithium grease also. I was really reluctant to do this but the sqeak was starting to annoy me. You just have to work the straw in to the gap and give a good shot of spray. My wheel no longer sqeaks and it seems easier to turn.

its the contact ring, and its an electrical part so be careful what you go spraying in there..... alot of other models its the rubber boot going through the firewall for the steering shaft.