540 Steering Noises

[speed-junkie]

OK, I'm new to the forum, but I see there's some great insights on these threads. I'm hoping someone can help me with my 2002 540I I just purchased. I live in the Canadian cold and am experiencing repeated "clicking" noises when I steer in either direction, particularly when the car is cold. It seems to lessen once it warms up. It also seems to be more apparent at slow speeds (or maybe I just can't hear it with the roar of the engine at higher speeds ) Does anyone have any ideas what the problem might be....?

[bimmerboy328i]

Sounds like your Power Steering Pump might be close to going.

[supark]

first thing - check your fluid, if it looks like it's at the right level, have some turn the wheel as your standing over the engine bay to see if the sound is coming from your steering column inside the cabin, or in the engine bay.

If it's only coming from the steering column inside the engine bay, then most likely it's the slip ring directly behind your steering wheel. Sometimes they start to snag as they wear out with time and it'll "click" and make other noises. It's a pretty easy thing to replace yourself with a torx bit set and a socket set. You'll just need to be super careful to make sure the battery is disconnected before you start fooling around with the airbag. The slip ring is a little pricey - about $180 depending on where you buy it from.

The power steering pump shouldn't make "clicking" noises as it wears out - it'll be more of a groaning sound. Might not be a bad idea to flush the fluid in your steering system though - as it does pick up particulate matter over time and can start clogging stuff that shouldn't be clogged

Good luck!