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Thread: 1985 M635CSI - Low speed steering noise

  1. #1
    Join Date
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    1970 BMW 2002, 1985 M635

    1985 M635CSI - Low speed steering noise

    Hey guys,
    Anyone ever have an issue with a squeaking/grinding noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. Happens when backing out of the driveway and turning, or getting in and out of parking spots. Power steering seems to work and the noise feels like it's coming from the column itself. The car is new to me and this will be my first project. - any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks,
    George


    1994 530iA

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Quote Originally Posted by 94530inh View Post
    Hey guys,
    Anyone ever have an issue with a squeaking/grinding noise when turning the steering wheel at low speeds. Happens when backing out of the driveway and turning, or getting in and out of parking spots. Power steering seems to work and the noise feels like it's coming from the column itself. The car is new to me and this will be my first project. - any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

    Thanks,
    George


    Check the fluid level, with engine stopped pump the brakes about 15 - 20 times. Fluid level should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch below top. The fluid should be ATF Dexron III or IV. If level is OK, try "bleeding" the system by turning the steering wheel lock to lock a couple of times. Should have no additional bubbles in reservoir during final turning.

    Of course you need to check that belt is tight and not slipping.

    The power steering pump also provides brake boost.

    Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by wfwright2 View Post
    Check the fluid level, with engine stopped pump the brakes about 15 - 20 times. Fluid level should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch below top. The fluid should be ATF Dexron III or IV. If level is OK, try "bleeding" the system by turning the steering wheel lock to lock a couple of times. Should have no additional bubbles in reservoir during final turning.

    Of course you need to check that belt is tight and not slipping.

    The power steering pump also provides brake boost.

    Sent from my Moto Z (2) using Tapatalk
    +1 on checking the belt.

    Sent from my HTC6545LVW using Tapatalk

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    1970 BMW 2002, 1985 M635
    I checked the fluid, and it was full. I turned the car on with the reservoir cap off and turned the wheel. Tons of air was coming out and it was getting frothy. Wasn't just air being bled, but seems like air was being pumped into the reservoir from somewhere.

    I'm guessing it's either the front seal on the pump, or any of the low pressure lines sucking air in. I'll have to check on this when I get under the car on Saturday.
    Last edited by 94530inh; 03-21-2018 at 06:36 PM.
    1994 530iA

  5. #5
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    IMG_8670.jpg . - This tube was loose. I'm guessing that this is the source of the air leak.. But how do I fix it and fix it right? Brake line fitting to 90 degree bend with a barbed end?

    https://youtu.be/6aq4z79DshE . - Video of how loose it is.
    1994 530iA

  6. #6
    Join Date
    May 2009
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    Camas, WA
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    Euro '85 635csi
    I have a thread somewhere out here on this topic, I had the same issue. After lots of effort, it ended up being a 5 min fix. Check the 4 bolts that hold the pump housing together. Two of mine were loose, allowing air to enter the pump (but no leaks). I tightened those bolts and haven't had an issue since.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2016
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    North Florida
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    1983 633csi, 2017 540i
    Quote Originally Posted by 94530inh View Post
    IMG_8670.jpg . - This tube was loose. I'm guessing that this is the source of the air leak.. But how do I fix it and fix it right? Brake line fitting to 90 degree bend with a barbed end?

    https://youtu.be/6aq4z79DshE . - Video of how loose it is.
    Replace hose. 6mm hose

  8. #8
    Join Date
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    NH
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    1970 BMW 2002, 1985 M635
    That was the issue. I also have a new filter coming. thanks for all the advice
    1994 530iA

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