Dr. Dr. Diagnose Me !! :)

MatyBMW · 06-26-2002, 12:13 AM

E30 Steering issue:

My friend drives a stock E30 with stock rims. The handling is tight but he has noticed one problem.

PROBLEM:

When ever the steering wheel is turned past centre to the right, there is a rubbing roise which seems to be coming from the front right. This is noticable at any speed but does not appear to affect the actual handling of the vehicle. The noise is just anoying.

1) It is not the rims or tires for sure
2) Is there something rubbing on the tire?
3) Could it be steering belt related?
4) Any other ideas as to what it could be?

Thanks in advance guys, I do appreciate it greatly!!

***Gamite*** · 06-26-2002, 04:04 AM

I know you already said its not the tires/wheels, but did you check inner side of the fenders?

Furious · 06-26-2002, 08:05 AM

power steering fluid maybe?,, or maybe the steering belt,, it could also be something rubbing in the stering wheel it self..

KIRASIR · 06-26-2002, 09:48 AM

It really depends on the noise.

Check if the tire is rubbing something first. It could also be the front wheel bearing.

Serge

MatyBMW · 06-26-2002, 12:44 PM

1) I checked under the fender: nothing rubbing
2) It can't be the wheel bearing because it has made this noise on two sets of wheels
3) The noise is a low pitch huuuummmmmmmmmmmmm

Its really weird how it only happens when the wheel turns the slightest degree right of centre position.

**EMPOWERD** · 06-26-2002, 01:56 PM

It really does sound like the wheel bearing is on it's way out. The funny thing is that when the wheel is turned right, the left front wheel bearing usually makes the noise.

MatyBMW · 06-26-2002, 05:15 PM

What is the wheel bearing? and

Where is it located?

MatyBMW · 07-02-2002, 10:19 AM

I believe the wheel bearing is located at the end of the axel and is behind where the lugs come out.

Is this true? If so, can the wheel bearing itself be replaced?

Eurostyle · 07-02-2002, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MatyBMW
I believe the wheel bearing is located at the end of the axel and is behind where the lugs come out.

Is this true? If so, can the wheel bearing itself be replaced?

No, you have to replace the hub itself, about $130 if i remember well. Also check the brake lines, sometimes they can rub on the rim (more on lowered cars) and blow up when you need them the most! Trust me on that one, i found out the hard way as i whent through an intersection after i was left with no brakes!!!

GR8 Ride · 07-02-2002, 02:25 PM

I'd have to say it sounds like a wheel bearing as well.

On a right turn, the LEFT wheel bearing should be the one making noise, and on a LEFT turn, the RIGHT wheel bearing should be making noise. Same thing goes for rubbing; the loaded side of the suspension is the only one which should rub (ie, the outside in the turn).

Wheel bearings are a wear and tear item, so it's not uncommon for them to fail at some point in time during the life of the car.

Pat

**NickP** · 07-02-2002, 03:24 PM

I agree it sounds like a wheel bearing as well, here's a couple of quick down and dirty ways of checking to see its the wheel bearing.

1) with the front tires in the air, one spins much more easily than the other

2) drive it around for awhile, feel if one rim has gotten much warmer than the other

Good luck,
Nick