Scraping noise behind steering wheel

UK forum for general and technical discussion about the Z3 roadster
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Richieroo
Joined: Mon 14 Oct, 2013 17:17
Posts: 29

  Z3 roadster 2.8

Scraping noise behind steering wheel

Post by Richieroo »

Wonder if anyone can help? When I turn the steering wheel there is a scraping noise as it passes a particular position of the wheel. Happens turning both ways. Have looked and lubricated where I can see moving parts but hasn’t worked.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to what it might be and how to cure it?

Thanks
siwilson
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 09:54
Posts: 790

  M roadster S54
Location: Horley

Re: Scraping noise behind steering wheel

Post by siwilson »

There are a couple of things that can cause this. Either the slip-ring at the top or more likely the spring and bearings at the bottom of the steering column. The spring gets wet and loses all lubrication. Its tough, but you can get in there with a hand full of grease or a long pipe and some spray grease. if you think it might be the slipping then off with the steering wheel and spray some dry lubricant into the slip-ring.
2001 M roadster S54 Laguna Seca Blue
BeemerBoyo
Joined: Mon 10 Feb, 2014 10:51
Posts: 110

  Z3 roadster 2.2i
Location: Teesside

Re: Scraping noise behind steering wheel

Post by BeemerBoyo »

Happened to my 2002 2.2 sport few years ago. It got worse and worse. Tried lubricating the coupling in the engine bay, dry graphite in the slip ring assembly. Nothing helped. In my case it was the slip ring that had failed. Can only describe it as a graunching sound to the left and right of the straight ahead centered position. AW Autoworks in Teesside did mine, I think the part was about £120 plus fitting. Apparently the springs had start to unravel and that was the issue. Just wear and tear I am afraid.
2002 E37 BMW Z3 2.2 Sport
2008 E93 BMW 3 series 325i m sport convertible

Previous BMW cars

2007 E87 BMW 1 series 120D
2013 F21 BMW 1 series 120D
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