Help needed with horrendous noise

[jacbey]

Hey guys,

In the last week or so my Z3 has started making some horrible squealing noises when turning the steering wheel. Here are some videos.

I have tried to look into it more but have found no answers so if anyone has any ideas I would greatly appreciate it.

Jaz

 

[NZ00Z3]

Have you checked the power steering fluid level?

 

[jacbey]

Have you checked the power steering fluid level?

I have tried to figure out where on earth to top it up from or even check the levels but even in the manual it doesn't tell me where to do this.

 

[colb]

You should look for the power steering resevoir, depends on what model car you have as to where it is in the engine bay it looks like item 1 in the linked diagram. Check the level, if low top up with ATM Fluid. If that fails to stop the noise then check the condition of the drive belt, it may need replacing with a new one.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showparts?id=CM12-EUR-12-1999-Z3-BMW-Z3_19&diagId=32_0729

Whilst your in there check the idle pully's that the drive belt runs over to check for duff bearings in them, any that are rough and noisy when spun without the belt on should be renewed.

 

[t-tony]

Sounds just like mine did when the Aux. belt tensioner bearings failed. Easiest way to check is run it without the belt.

Tony.

 

[mwpe]

Now fixed, it was low oil level, needs to be kept an eye on.

 

[colb]

Indeed if it was low power steering fluid look for a leak. Check the rubber pipes to and from the reservoir they rot out where the crimped clips are fit new pipes and use jubilee clips

 

[jaguartvr]

The power steering cooling pipe that sits in front of the radiator corrodes and can develop leaks. More trouble than they are worth. I have removed my cooling pie and just joined the cooling rubber hoses together.

 

[jacbey]

Thanks to mike for his help, and yes this is now sorted. Thanks for all your suggestions! I'll have a look at worn pipes when it's not as cold and rainy!

 

[2DunnsZ3]

Another puzzle solved. Amazing what I have learned about my Zed just by being apart of this motley crew

 

[t-tony]

Another puzzle solved. Amazing what I have learned about my Zed just by being apart of this motley crew

Every day can be a school day on here, for anyone Nobody knows it all.

Tony.

 

[antodeco]

Will check mine tomorrow as it's just started making the same noise the past few days!