Technical problem that cannot be detected by PML

[tiesto]

Hi members,

Have a problem with my BMW lately,The problem lies in the steering wheel. Everytime when a turn or corner is made especially when driving down slope from multi-story car parks. A turn and then straight, there is a feeling of a cloak sound or some kind of a SPRING that is loose or something, PML could not detect where or which part is the problem after sending my car in twice. They have changed the rubber bush, and the problem is still there...My car is an E46 318i
Dec 2003.
Does anyone here have the same kind of problem like this?
Would appreciate if anyone here can help...
Tks/warmest regards.

 

[emiffy]

Re: Technical problem that cannot be detected by PML

Plastic sound, like plastic grinding against plastic, inside the car, feel like it's from the steering wheel --> airbag slip ring.

Plastic rattling sound, sometimes sound metallic --> indicator control ring.

Basically, there is some freeplay/tolerance between the steering wheel, airbag, and the steering column.

If the sound comes from under the car/outside the car, then usual suspects --> steering bush, linkage, tie rods, rack.

Get a competent mechanic to take a look at it. These sounds can be intermittent, so try and replicate the conditions when the sounds are most likely to come back. For my case, I took the CSA to a particular carpark, and replicated the problem.

Quick, before warranty expires!

BTW -- welcome.

 

[tiesto]

Re: Technical problem that cannot be detected by PML

Thank you Emiffy, Thanks for your time....
Best regards,
tiesto

 

[LWY]

Re: Technical problem that cannot be detected by PML

Ask the mechanic to check the power steering hydraulic hose (inlet & outlet). I had the same problem with my e39 before.

 

[CGT]

Re: Technical problem that cannot be detected by PML

Sounds like the internal mechanism of the Power Steering Rack is broken or possibly the steering shaft. My guess is the PS Rack, cos if its the steering shaft, the PML guys should have found that. Gd Luck.

 

[tiesto]

Re: Technical problem that cannot be detected by PML

Thanks, everyone for the very useful information and suggestions.
Appreciate you help...
Best regards,
Tiesto

 

[rudy]

Re: Technical problem that cannot be detected by PML

sorry guys, for not posting much and disappearing for so long, nt long after i joined the forums i met an accident and my car have been going in and out and i must say tiesto your prob is not as bad as mine after i gt my car back. it happened a few times but il tell you the most memorable incident that happened recently, My airbag burst wen i had the accident, sent to pml and fixed the whole wreck, sent back to like 5 - 6 times but i always forgot to tell them bout the steering problem as i have worst probs that overlaps the small probs of my car in my mind. Anyway, it was lunch time, i was in the cbd area and it was damn crowded i was waiting for a vertical parking lot and finally theres someone leaving the lot. the lot is just beside a whole row of cafes and restaurants, so u can imagine the lunchtime buzz.. anyway as i was making a turn to the lot,Just as i was turning the steering the whole horn sounded non stop and wats more, i had a air horn installed, so u can imagine my face turning red, i had to off the whole car and my car was half in half out the lane and it was a 1 lane road, i rested the car awhile and i started the engine again i only turn the ignition 1 step and the horn started blasting, i had no choice but to step out and go under my car to pull out the cables connecting to the horn, lucky the following week met up with AzrielSC he brought me to BVO and they took out the airbag and found a loose screw, now i can say, almost all my probs are solved.PML is really slow and ineffecient at times i really dont know why,i have another E90 also met an accident, dont know put there for like weeks man!

 

[ycchuah]

Re: Technical problem that cannot be detected by PML

I had a similar problem with my 2003 E39, sent it in to PML and end up have the whole steering assembly changed. After that .. no more cloaking, clicking sound. The mechanic told me if the car had not been still under warranty, it would have cost me like 4K!

 

[Turbonetic]

Re: Technical problem that cannot be detected by PML

My brand new E90 had a cloak sound when steering turn fully to the right, eg doing u-turn. PML replaced my entire steering rack and steering column and ok now. Quite a major repair that time, car was left at PML for 2 wks.

Hi members,

Have a problem with my BMW lately,The problem lies in the steering wheel. Everytime when a turn or corner is made especially when driving down slope from multi-story car parks. A turn and then straight, there is a feeling of a cloak sound or some kind of a SPRING that is loose or something, PML could not detect where or which part is the problem after sending my car in twice. They have changed the rubber bush, and the problem is still there...My car is an E46 318i
Dec 2003.
Does anyone here have the same kind of problem like this?
Would appreciate if anyone here can help...
Tks/warmest regards.

 

[centurion]

Re: Technical problem that cannot be detected by PML

The last time I had your problem, one of my front suspension control arms had a fracture along its length. Replacement fixed it.