Steering wheel squeak FIXED... Writeup w/pics

[///AlpinePower]

I've got my radio code, but I have no idea how to get my auto-up windows working again. Does anyone know the code for that stuff, or is it specific to my vehicle?

reinitialize them by pressing up and holding for 10-15 seconds after they are all the way up.

[lkstaack]

I replaced the lower bearing while doing the tilt wheel mod. The stock bearing is lubed with grease. While a penetrating oil will lubricate for a while, I wouldn't think it will lubricate in the long-term.

[Patrokloss]

I replaced the lower bearing while doing the tilt wheel mod. The stock bearing is lubed with grease. While a penetrating oil will lubricate for a while, I wouldn't think it will lubricate in the long-term.

In theory I would agree, but in point of fact I posted this writeup more than 14 months ago and I haven't had to repeat this procedure since that time. Steering still feels good and no squeak. Doesn't seem worth the effort to replace and re-pack the bearing... unless of course your results are different for some reason.

[Hellrot Sachin]

agreed.. 1 year with your "mod" and no squeek.

[lkstaack]

Can't argue with results.

[dos Santos]

Bump for a good thread. I'm going to try this tomorrow.

[BMWManiac]

still no squeak....lubed lower steering bearing...9 months

[dos Santos]

I just did this. I didnt jack up the car at all. I just pushed the can of spray under the intake, and placed the nozzle's straw about a foot away from the bearing. Then i just took a flashlight to see where I was shooting, and sprayed away. I soaked it real good, and the sound seems to be gone now.

[andycooke]

After having the car and squeak for 12 months I decided to fix it. Living in England the car is RHD so the bearing is right there in front of you .... 5 second job... CURED !

[lkstaack]

If you wanted to replace the column bearings, this tilt wheel DIY can provide insight.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...=1#post5577923

[hillzz22]

agreed.. 1 year with your "mod" and no squeek.

+1 for that...I also performed this "mod" almost a year ago and have been fine ever since!

[maq]

Help me out here guys.

I've had the squeak/noise for over a year. I installed a 98.5 3-spoke wheel last month, and replaced the bearing at top of steering spindle. It fixed the problem completely the first day, but unfortunately the wheel was off center. After my shop reinstalled the wheel, the noise came back and has been getting worse day by day.

Now, when I turn the wheel, first there's a slight click sound, then a grinding noise AND a squeak when the wheel is turned. There's also a slight rattle when I go over speed bumps, as if something's shaking somewhere in there. When I pull the wheel down I can hear and feel a squeak which is the same noise it makes when turning the wheel. There's almost no up and down play, but if I pull hard enough, I can hear and feel the squeak.

Any ideas what I should lube/replace? I'd like to get some ideas before I do anything. TIA!

[hamanncheese]

did you get the correct slip ring for the 3 spoke wheel? The problem may be there. Also, try flushing out the power steering fluid. My squeak was coming from using really old/dirty PS fluid.

[lkstaack]

I would suspect that the shop installed the slip ring incorrectly or the coil inside the slip ring isn't aligned properly. Are your self-cancelling turn signals working ok?

[maq]

I do have the correct slip ring, it came attached to the wheel. And yes the turn signals are working properly.

I too was suspecting that they installed it wrong, but was not sure if it could happen given that they had all the correct parts. When they first installed it, the wheel was quiet and smooth, but off center by half an inch. Then the next day after they adjusted it, I started to hear all kinds of noise.

I just shot some WD-40 behind the wheel without taking it off. The grinding noise has become a rubbing one. The squeak is still there when the wheel self-centers, and the rattle is still there when driving on rough roads.

Any ideas? I will try to fix it in a few days, so I'd appreciate if someone could point me in the right direction. TIA!

[Patrokloss]

Did you ever lube the lower bearing? This is the culprit 95% of the time and can cause nearly all the symptoms you describe. If you haven't tried it yet after an entire year, do it... It only takes a few minutes. Replacing the upper bearing and slip ring can temporarily mask the problem, but won't usually cure it.

If lubing the lower bearing doesn't help, I would take it back to the shop that installed the new wheel. First it's off-center, then it squeaks and rattles and grinds... That is unacceptable.

The only other option would be to actually remove the steering wheel yourself and do a visual inspection. It's not hard if you have a good set of tools and the Bentley manual to guide you... Just be extra careful handling the airbag. Let us know what you come up with.

[maq]

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it. I've never lubed the lower bearing, because the squeak wasn't too bad before the new wheel was installed. I will take the wheel off tomorrow to see what's going on in there. Will also lube the lower bearing. I will update this thread once I find a fix to all the noises.

[maq]

Update:

Lubed the lower bearing, and vaila, it's butter smooth now. No squeak, grinding noise, rattle...nothing.

Thanks Patrokloss!

[Aradaiel]

I just tried this. I threaded a tube up the steering colum untill It couldn't go any more. I sprayed for a second, inched it out about an inch and then sprayed again. Did this the whole length of the steering column with white lithium grease and got...

Nada


Thing still squeaks. So it looks like the steering wheel is coming off.

[D Unit]

i used the drilling technigue with white lithium grease and still have a squeek...
i then took of my steeringwheel (aftermarket sparco so it was very easy) and unscrewed the 17mm bolt and lubed the crap out of it ---> still have a squeek

i give up...

[Patrokloss]

Guys, I am no expert but I don't think white lithium grease is going to do the job unless you actually disassemble the bearing and lube the individual parts. The white lithium grease I have used in the past was too thick for a job like this.

Try a penetrating lubricant such as Tri-Flow. Follow the writeup closely, ie spray and then turn the wheel lock to lock, then respray and turn again. That way you can be sure the lube has worked its way in and coated all the moving parts correctly.

Also, I am not convinced that drilling and/or spraying inside the steering spindle is going to help all that much. The bearing assembly is on the OUTSIDE. Just get your lube and a long spray tube and spray down the part that you see right in the engine bay. That's all that is needed. Many MANY people have had great success with this.

...and if all THAT doesn't work, then it's probably time to pull apart the steering wheel.

Good luck.

[BMWManiac]

yeah, what he said...on the outside in the engine bay....you can't go wrong....it worked for me.

[maq]

Ditto on using something other than white lithium grease.

You can actually lube the lower bearing without jacking up the car. Look down between the dipstick and firewall, you can see the lower joint assembly which looks like a control arm. The bearing is on top of this thing. Fabricate a looong tube for the spray can, and just let the lube drip down.

On a side note, where do you guys buy Tri-flow from? I stole my last can from a friend, but it's empty now. I've been to Pep Boys and O'Reilly, neither had Tri-flow.

[clumpymold]

Yeah, I've tried white lithium grease, WD-40 and liquid wrench. I still have a squeak but it's very minor. Only on slow, low-speed turns. And with the stereo on, I don't notice it at all. Only when I have the radio off (and, unfortunately, that's when I have passengers) can I hear it.

[Patrokloss]

On a side note, where do you guys buy Tri-flow from? I stole my last can from a friend, but it's empty now. I've been to Pep Boys and O'Reilly, neither had Tri-flow.

Tri-flow is great stuff, and not necessarily specific to auto applications. My local hardware stores all carry it. Most bike shops stock it as it makes a great bicycle chain lube. I believe Walmart carries it as well.