Steering creaking noise

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Mike - 25 Jul 2005 08:22 GMT

Hi guys,

I have a 2002 E45 325i, 17" rims, 66500km. Recently I have started to
hear some creaking noises whenever I turn the steering wheel. This
happens on the first half of the steering wheel turn, that is starting
at position 0 I turn 90 degrees (left or right, it does not matter)
when the car is at a standstill or moving at very slow speeds. What
could it be?

Notice: I started noticing these immediately after changing the tires,
went from the original Continental ContiSportContact 225 (quite badly
worn out) to Bridgestone Potenza S03 PP 235. Maybe I was deaf before -
however I doubt it. My best guess is the problem was there, but the
weak grip didn't let it pop its head out...

Mike.

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Somebody. - 25 Jul 2005 13:51 GMT

> Hi guys,
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Mike.

Sounds like a failing sway bar link. Jack the front of your car off the
ground , motor off, steering unlocked, and grab a front tire. Turn it
through the steering motion from one extreme to the other and listen, you
should hear it quite clearly. Put your hand on each end of the sway bar
link as you turn, you should be able to feel which end is at fault.
Replacement is probably not extremely difficult, though I've not done it on
an E46. Or and E45 for that matter. :-)

-Russ.

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Mike - 25 Jul 2005 14:29 GMT

Thanks Russ, I'll give it a try ASAP as per your instructions. Hmmm...
I guess E45 must have sounded better :-)

Mike.

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Lars Knudsen - 25 Jul 2005 15:05 GMT

Hi,

>I have a 2002 E45 325i, 17" rims, 66500km. Recently I have started to
>hear some creaking noises whenever I turn the steering wheel. This
>happens on the first half of the steering wheel turn, that is starting
>at position 0 I turn 90 degrees (left or right, it does not matter)
>when the car is at a standstill or moving at very slow speeds. What
>could it be?

I had a similar problem in my e39 530dA 2002 - it was the power
steering fluid beeing low. Topping up the fluid made the noice go
away. Might be that?

However, it was not dependant on the positiion of the steering wheel.

** Lars

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Nicik Name - 27 Jul 2005 01:23 GMT

> Hi guys,
>
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
>
> Mike.

check to see if that 235 tire is within the design envelope for that car.

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