irritating 'rattling' sound..need help

[khooterry]

Hi to all brothers here,Really need some help from you guys. Currently driving a 2001 E46 318 bimmer. Some months back my steering wheel has this 'rattling' sound coming from inside especially on bumpy roads and it realy irritates me a lot.I tried asking my mechanic on the problem and he said steering shafts and a few more other parts needed to b changed and it's not worth doing it as it is a common problem in E46. Does anyone know what is wrong with it or tried repairing it b4? Realy appreciate your help here. Thanks bro

 

[Mouse]

do a search on rattling steering, u can find some information, it may due to few things, yes its common in E46. might be steering column or steering rack (this 2 item is expensive if buy new). other minor problem might be tie rod end, etc.

 

[sangkuriang]

khooterry,

If its just happening and not causing vibration to streeing, then its maybe the normal common problem, but once it vibrates your steering, its a symptom of further damage. I did respond fast enough on those symptom before and ended up spending close to 4k on recond strg rack, new pumps, gaskets, etc, (if original parts in the region of 10k+).

 

[tank34]

Hey Guys, I've got the same problem and yes it is common, even in my dad's 5 series (previous model). I've had it checked once at AB and it was apparently the Spindle, at the bottom of the stearing column. All they did was tighten it and then also added more padding.

Problem was not completely solved. It's better on less bumpy roads, but going up or down ramps, rough roads, and the rattling is back. Have left it as it is until I need to open up the steering column in future.