Steering wheel noise

[janine13]

My 1998 E36 steering whhel started making some noise when turning it mostly anticlockwise. Complained to a specialist who told me it was nothing to bother about but lately noticed the wheel gets stiff occasionally when driving especially after long drives, like its about to lock up. Help anyone?

[motorwerks]

The squeal is hard to diagnose without being there to hear it. The stiffness may be low steering fluid, or just needing fluid replacement. (Fluid does break down over time) Just remember when topping off, or changing the fluid that our cars use ATF not power steering fluid.

[janine13]

Is there a way i can drain the steering fluid like i do the engine oil to have it changed?

[motorwerks]

It's not quite as simple as removing a plug, but still easy. You just have to siphon the fluid out of the reservoir, and fill with new. Work the steering a bit, and repeat. It's the easiest way I know of doing it.

The other option is to take the hoses off of the pump, and drain it that way. Either way it's not that important to get 100% of the fluid out, just get a decent amount of new fluid in there to keep things running smooth.

You don't often see PS fluid change on maintenance schedules for most cars, because the manufacturers don't typically care what happens at 10 yrs and 150k. It may not fix your problem though.


I didn't think at the time, you should also be sure to check your PS belt if it hasn't been done already. A weak belt could be slipping on the pulley when hot, and causing the hard steering.

[tree36]

yeah i had the same problem. changed the fluid and it went away. make sure it happens when you turn the wheel both ways. because if its only on one side you could have a problem with a control arm.

[janine13]

Thanks, will give it a shot and get back to you on it.

[janine13]

Did the oil change and it is fine now thanks alot

[motorwerks]

[tree36]

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