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Steering Squeak on 2001 E38 728i

4K views 8 replies 2 participants last post by  CROCKA 
#1 ·
2001 E38 728i - Wondered if anyone could help ??? From cold, the car runs fine with no knocks rattles or squeaks but once i have driven a distance (approx 10 miles plus) i have an unbearable squeak from the front end of the vehicle which will continue until the car has cooled down and driven over the same type of distance once again. I have had a ex BMW Technician whom i take my car to for maintenance check it over and he 100% guarantees me that it is the Centre Drag Link Tie Rod which is at fault and needs replacing. At first he tried greasing the joints to see if it would eliminate the fault. This stopped the "rubbing effect" inside the cabin on the steering wheel but the sqeaking continued. Also the usual "shimmy" on the steering is apparent. If left too long would cause any longterm damage ? This is my fourth E38 and first experience with this problem. Also im told this is a common fault ? I have sourced a new component but would like a second opinion before i commit to buying. All help would be appreciated. Steve !
 
#2 · (Edited)
The centre drag line is a common fault on the e38, if left you will start to wear out other joints which are being put under stress from the failed CDL joints, I would advise you get it done or it will cost more in the long run....the probable reason the squeak appears worse after a drive is the heat from the engine which expands all the components.
 
#3 ·
Thanks Marti5. Much appreciated. I have sourced a component from elsewhere (BMW want £200). Hopefully this will rectify the problem. Only owned the vehicle a couple of months and looking at the history (full BMW) most of the usual suspect parts have been changed already.
 
#4 ·
Well if most of the other parts have been changed thats a good start I presume your in the UK ?? as you priced the part in £££'s.
 
#5 ·
i am in the UK yes. I have priced an OEM from the USA which is specified for RHD. I have also cross referenced the part number aginst the manufacturers and this corresponds. About £120 gets you the centre tie rod and both track rod ends which i think is a good price considering. One of these was recently changed to pass MOT so i think it would be wise to replace all three components. The BMW Specialist has quoted me two hours labour which is £100. Not a bad price in total...not that i like to skimp on the vehicle but it pays to shop about in my experience !
 
#6 ·
I get all my suspension parts from eBay de. (Germany) I use the google translation bar, also you dont pay any import tax and they normally arrive within 3 days.
 
#7 ·
Thanks for that. Will give it a try. Been using Ebay.com for the best prices but the guy in the USA said that if i did get hit with import tax that he would deduct the difference from the final price. Pretty fair i guess. On another note also - dont know if its the extreme weather that we have been having but having owned four E38's (this one is an Individual Sport) i cant seem to keep the damn thing on the road like all the previous others. Never had any problems before. You just cant seem to get much traction. Like i said its most probably the weather !
 
#8 ·
Depends on your tyres, also what Ive done is put 5 bags of Kiln dried sand in the boot, works a treat and always use manual in the snow....
 
#9 ·
Maybe i need to add more weightto the golf clubs that are already in the boot then ! Never used anything other than manual to be honest over the last few days. Update on the squeak situation - Works out at £100.38 for all three components from Ebay De - Centre Tie Rod and both passenger and driver Tie Rod Ends. Will order them early next week !
 
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