Whining noise from steering column

Thavash · 05-19-2008, 03:39 AM

OK. I was going to post in a month saying "3 years of ownership and no issues" but then this happens. Basically I'm getting a whining noise from the steering column when I turn the steering. It wasn't very loud but it's getting louder now.

I'm thinking its probably the power steering pump , but I'm not really an expert. Any ideas ? I want to take it in quickly to get it sorted out before the warranty expires !!

Couch · 05-19-2008, 09:05 AM

It's normal. It's probably louder now because of age.

Thavash · 05-20-2008, 12:11 AM

Are you sure ? I read on another forum someone describing the exact symptoms on an E46, and he said that he had to change the power steering pump and some pulley that connects to the alternator.

Anyway I'm taking it in nex week , so I'll let you guys know what they say.

srv2790 · 05-20-2008, 07:48 AM

it depends if it is a squeek or a squeal. you will have to decifer between the 2. but for the most part if its a squeek it is the steering wheel from age (happens all the time. our customers always complain

). but if its a squeal it is the power steering pump

Couch · 05-20-2008, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thavash

Are you sure ? I read on another forum someone describing the exact symptoms on an E46, and he said that he had to change the power steering pump and some pulley that connects to the alternator.

Anyway I'm taking it in nex week , so I'll let you guys know what they say.

Sorry, should have been more clear.

From what you described it sounded normal. Something may need replacing. If you are concerned, as you are, take it. Which you are already doing.

Rob Gurwitz · 05-20-2008, 12:38 PM

When I had this in my 5er it was due to a defective steering rack (replaced under warranty).

Streetfish · 05-20-2008, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thavash

OK. I was going to post in a month saying "3 years of ownership and no issues" but then this happens. Basically I'm getting a whining noise from the steering column when I turn the steering. It wasn't very loud but it's getting louder now.

I'm thinking its probably the power steering pump , but I'm not really an expert. Any ideas ? I want to take it in quickly to get it sorted out before the warranty expires !!

check your power steering fluid, might be running low.

Thavash · 05-21-2008, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streetfish

check your power steering fluid, might be running low.

Thought of this as well , but where do you check this on the E90 ? I looked at the manual and opened the bonnet , but couldn't see where the power steering fluid goes ....

Icedog_16 · 05-21-2008, 07:35 AM

Maybe it's the driver.

Sorry, couldn't resist!

05-19-2008, 03:39 AM	#1
Thavash Private First Class 20 Rep 166 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 320i Red Join Date: May 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 320M [0.00] 2005 320i [0.00]	Whining noise from steering column OK. I was going to post in a month saying "3 years of ownership and no issues" but then this happens. Basically I'm getting a whining noise from the steering column when I turn the steering. It wasn't very loud but it's getting louder now. I'm thinking its probably the power steering pump , but I'm not really an expert. Any ideas ? I want to take it in quickly to get it sorted out before the warranty expires !!
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05-19-2008, 09:05 AM	#2
Couch Colonel 142 Rep 2,900 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Houston iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i [0.00]	It's normal. It's probably louder now because of age.
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05-20-2008, 12:11 AM	#3
Thavash Private First Class 20 Rep 166 Posts Drives: F30 M-Sport 320i Red Join Date: May 2005 Location: Johannesburg, South Africa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 320M [0.00] 2005 320i [0.00]	Are you sure ? I read on another forum someone describing the exact symptoms on an E46, and he said that he had to change the power steering pump and some pulley that connects to the alternator. Anyway I'm taking it in nex week , so I'll let you guys know what they say.
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05-20-2008, 07:48 AM	#4
srv2790 BMW Service Dept. 18 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dyer, IN iTrader: (1)	it depends if it is a squeek or a squeal. you will have to decifer between the 2. but for the most part if its a squeek it is the steering wheel from age (happens all the time. our customers always complain). but if its a squeal it is the power steering pump
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05-20-2008, 12:38 PM	#6
Rob Gurwitz New Member 0 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2008 328xi coupe Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	When I had this in my 5er it was due to a defective steering rack (replaced under warranty).
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05-21-2008, 07:35 AM	#9
Icedog_16 No Member 8 Rep 428 Posts Drives: 2011 E92 335is Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (1)	Maybe it's the driver. Sorry, couldn't resist!
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