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Thread: POWER STEERING: Knocking Sound

  1. #1
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    POWER STEERING: Knocking Sound

    Hello guys,

    I have very annoying and unpleasant sound coming somewhere from underneath steering column. It sounds like some part got loose and hitting it whenever I hit pot hole or bump.

    What this might be?

    Thank you in advance,
    siny528i

  2. #2
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    Endlinks!

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by cnn View Post
    Endlinks!
    Thanks cnn,

    Somewhere deep inside, I knew its gotta be you, who is gonna answer this question first...
    Last edited by siny528i; 03-01-2011 at 09:40 AM.

  4. #4
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    Is your front suspension still stock?
    How many miles in your baby?

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by cnn View Post
    Is your front suspension still stock?
    How many miles in your baby?
    Thanks for posting here!

    I got 171227 right now.

    I recently changed JUST Front Struts after reading your 1998 BMW 528i COMPLETE FRONT SUSPENSION OVERHAUL . They were leaking badly. I thought that sound was the part of their failure, but it still there.

    I know what you gonna say about at this mileage anything can go bad and stuff. I think you are right, but I dont want to do Complete Overhaul.

    I just want to eliminate that sound...

  6. #6
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    Then change the endlinks next. They usually fail around 50-60K, let alone 171K!
    Very easy to do.

  7. #7
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    Thanks cnn!

    The reason I asked about Stabilizer RUBBER MOUNTING and SUPPORT is becasue I had same problem with my 240sx. That time it was bad RUBBER MOUNTING.

    Anyway, if I wanna change all RIGHT and LEFT SWING SUPPORTs (End Links), Stabilizer RUBBER MOUNTING and SUPPORT, is it hard to get to and replace Stabilizer RUBBER MOUNTING and SUPPORT?

    Do I have to put it on Jacks or Ramps will be enough?

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by siny528i View Post
    ...Do I have to put it on Jacks or Ramps will be enough?
    The answers to your question is in the same link you posted in thread#5 above.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by cnn View Post
    The answers to your question is in the same link you posted in thread#5 above.
    Gotcha! Thanks again!

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by cnn View Post
    Endlinks!
    Unfortunately, its not them. I changed both END LINKS and STABILIZER SUPPORT/RUBBER MOUNTING, but the sound still there. I am not sorry I did the work. My ENDLINKS required attention since I bought the car, but where that sound is coming from?

  11. #11
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    I think I got it!

    Well, cnn, I guess you were right!

    Today I went to my local Pepboys for flat fix and found this:


    I was going to do my rear endlinks anyway and thats why already ordered them. I hope having it loose like this didn't do any damage other than that unpleasant noise I was hunting for.
    BMW CCA 434493

  12. #12
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    On another note, your picture above showed that you have ANOTHER problem.
    Your rear brake hose is cracked, just like mine 1 month ago LOL!

    Then I did a complete brake overhaul and here is the DIY:

    DIY: 1998 BMW 528i Brake Hydraulic System Overhaul (Brake Hoses, Caliper Seals/Dust Boots)
    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...php?p=21926370

  13. #13
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    Heya guys,

    There is another issue that most likely was causing this noise.
    While installing new front Rotors and Bearings I found that my Left Tie Rod gone bad:


    There is also a free play of left wheel when you try to move it left to right.

    I am going to get both Left and Right Tie Rods online.
    How hard is it to replace them?

    Is it worth it since I am planning to do All 4 Tires rotation for FREE and then alignment for $45 at my local shop. I thought maybe its a good idea to ask them to do Tie Rods while they are there and then do the alignment. They said they will do them for $80 with my parts.

    What do you think?

    Thank you in advance,
    siny528i
    Last edited by siny528i; 06-20-2011 at 01:16 AM.
    BMW CCA 434493

  14. #14
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    siny528i,

    Lemforder only. You can get them at EACeuroparts.com.

    This is why I recommend that people do a complete FRONT suspension overhaul, otherwise you will be in and out of that place (front suspension) many times. I learned it the hard way on my 1998 Volvo V70: changed the tierods, 3 months later the endlinks, then 3 months the strut mount (on top of the strut), then 6 months later the control arms, then the CV boots etc. What a waste of time in and out of that place 5 times in a year!!!!!

    So, best is to do them all. Info is here:

    http://wwww.bimmerfest.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=399580

  15. #15
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    Hey cnn,
    Thanks for your guidelines! Especially EDIT Jan 14, 2009!

    I just did my Front Tie-Rods.
    I gotta tell ya it was a piece of cake job. If you can call it a job.

    Somehow I thought they tightened to Steering Rack deeper under the car, but it was right there.

    Unfortunately that rattling sound still there...
    BMW CCA 434493

  16. #16
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    Hello guys,

    I did my Control Arms with proper loading (according Bentley) and torque. I actually did them 2 weeks ago. Sorry for the delay with update!
    I also put good but USED tires, but didn't do alignment yet.

    It performs much better now. Steering wheel is not shaking. "Bad Bearing" noise is gone OR at least I can not spot it, BUT knocking sound, like something loose and vibrating, is still there.

    I wish someone who knows drive my car and tell approximately where its coming from.

    Thanks a lot,
    siny528i
    BMW CCA 434493

  17. #17
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    I tell you I've gone thru what your going thru. And its the steering rack. There is no other explanation.

    I have replaced every part replaceable on the front end that had to do with the suspension, and I have that knocking sound. My guess its the rack.

  18. #18
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jim530i View Post
    I tell you I've gone thru what your going thru. And its the steering rack. There is no other explanation.

    I have replaced every part replaceable on the front end that had to do with the suspension, and I have that knocking sound. My guess its the rack.
    Thanks Jim530i,

    I suspect it too very much because it is coming from the bottom of Steering Column area.

    How hard is it to replace?
    Is it possible to fix instead?
    Perhaps maybe tighten it better?

    Thanks again,
    siny528i
    BMW CCA 434493

  19. #19
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    Quote Originally Posted by siny528i View Post
    Thanks Jim530i,

    I suspect it too very much because it is coming from the bottom of Steering Column area.

    How hard is it to replace?
    Is it possible to fix instead?
    Perhaps maybe tighten it better?

    Thanks again,
    siny528i
    I have no clue. My E39 is equipped with servrotronic, and it will be very expensive. So I've given up.

    Unless I can find one from a junk yard, I've given up on this task.

  20. #20
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jim530i View Post
    I have no clue. My E39 is equipped with servrotronic, and it will be very expensive. So I've given up.

    Unless I can find one from a junk yard, I've given up on this task.
    Oops! Mine too! Hydro Steering Gear (P/N 32136751745) and the price (according RealOEM.com) is:

    $1,622.70

    Not bad, not bad
    Last edited by siny528i; 09-08-2011 at 10:55 PM. Reason: Automerged Doublepost
    BMW CCA 434493

  21. #21
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    No, seriously, I've been thinking...
    It doesnt necessary mean that I have to replace WHOLE Steering Rack?

    Could be loose Steering Rack mounting bolts?
    Or so called flexible joint pinch bolt?

    Anyway, can it be visually seen orinspected for damage/malfunction?
    Does anyone fix this problem before or been in that area?
    Any ideas?

    Thank you in advance,
    siny528i
    BMW CCA 434493

  22. #22
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    I got the same noise and was planning to to a suspension overhaul but worried it won't fix this. I mean I planned to do suspension work regardless but want to get rid of this noise!

    Keep me updated in your venture...I'm going to a shop tomorrow to see what's what.

  23. #23
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    I would replace everything in the front end including the rack mounts before replacing the rack. They seem to be pretty sturdy to the point where there are seal kits for them because the seals wear out before the rack does. That being said, if you live in an area with lots of potholes, then that may be your problem.

    Good luck and don't forget to post the outcome.

    Geoff
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  24. #24
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    Quote Originally Posted by gnilson View Post
    I would replace everything in the front end including the rack mounts before replacing the rack. They seem to be pretty sturdy to the point where there are seal kits for them because the seals wear out before the rack does. That being said, if you live in an area with lots of potholes, then that may be your problem.

    Good luck and don't forget to post the outcome.

    Geoff
    Hey Geoff,

    I live in Staten Island, so it is a Pothole Paradise like the rest of NYC So there are Rack Mounts? That most likely figures.

    This noise does not sound like something broken but rather LOOSE and hitting back up to Steering Column. It happens only at slow speed and you hit pot holes. Its heard BEST when you slowly roll on gravel road and whole car vibrates.

    I will see what I can do. Most likely next week I will take it to mechanic but just for inspection.
    BMW CCA 434493

  25. #25
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    yes it definitely sounds like something worn out and moving more than normally banging into something...

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