[smorg99]

When I bought my first F30 (2013 pre-LCI) after a while, and thanks in part to this forum, I found I had the common knocking from the rack. By the time I knew that it shouldn’t be like that it had run out of warranty the non BMW garage gave me on it. It didn’t cause me too much bother so wasn’t worth the cost in replacing out of warranty.

My current F30 (2016 LCI) doesn’t have any knocks but when the car is off, if i move the wheel to the left and right I do get a knock - exactly the same as a video someone posted here a while back.

It’s still under warranty so is it worth getting it looked at or are they all like this? Would the dealer agree to replace even though the only evidence is a knock when I move the wheel when off/stationary?

Be good to compare to a new(ish) F30 if when moving the wheel left/right when off, the knocks are also evident.

[Isow]

Originally Posted by smorg99

When I bought my first F30 (2013 pre-LCI) after a while, and thanks in part to this forum, I found I had the common knocking from the rack. By the time I knew that it shouldn’t be like that it had run out of warranty the non BMW garage gave me on it. It didn’t cause me too much bother so wasn’t worth the cost in replacing out of warranty.

My current F30 (2016 LCI) doesn’t have any knocks but when the car is off, if i move the wheel to the left and right I do get a knock - exactly the same as a video someone posted here a while back.

It’s still under warranty so is it worth getting it looked at or are they all like this? Would the dealer agree to replace even though the only evidence is a knock when I move the wheel when off/stationary?

Be good to compare to a new(ish) F30 if when moving the wheel left/right when off, the knocks are also evident.

The service technician will ask why are you moving the steering wheel left and right with the ignition off ?

[Hooded]

Does it knock at all if you rock it side to side with the engine running? If not, the fix is don't rock the steering wheel with the ignition off, it can't be good for it anyway.

[DriveS]

I had the knock and ordered the MS00084 tool. I tightened the thrust plate on the steering rack by just 1/16 of a turn and the knock was gone.

However there was an unexpected benefit....

So what must happen is the the plastic part (which can be replaced as part of a recent BMW repair kit),wears over time. This has the effect of producing backlash in the mechanism. Meaning is there is a small movement in the steering wheel before the wheels actually turn when changing direction.
What I have found is my car is far less susceptible to tramlining and the steering feel is improved.

I highly recommend you get the tool and sort it out. Takes about 40 mins and cost me only £5 as I sold the tool on for almost what I bought it for.

[smorg99]

Originally Posted by Isow

The service technician will ask why are you moving the steering wheel left and right with the ignition off ?

Sometimes it's an old habit as past cars had steering locks.

Surely it shouldn't make this noise though? Should there be so much play in the steering when the car is off and should it clunk every time the wheel is moved.
Also noticed it when cleaning the steering wheel.

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by smorg99

Sometimes it's an old habit as past cars had steering locks.

Surely it shouldn't make this noise though? Should there be so much play in the steering when the car is off and should it clunk every time the wheel is moved.
Also noticed it when cleaning the steering wheel.

You haven't answered the question though of whether or not there's any knock from it with the engine running? If there isn't what's the problem?
They aren't designed to be rocked harshly with the ignition off, that's a sure way to cause wear/damage over time.

[motoring_101]

Hi,

You don't need to rock it harshly to create the sound, a simple knock with my elbow while cleaning yesterday was enough for it to clunk!

As some have said though there is no noticeable noise when engine is on although I have read that some people get a clunk when reversing and turning the wheel

Going to try adjusting the rack with the aforementioned tool when i can find (make) one!

[muffking]

Originally Posted by DriveS

Takes about 40 mins and cost me only £5 as I sold the tool on for almost what I bought it for.

Why does it take around 40 mins? Is access that bad?

[PeaceWalker87]

Guys, tightening that thrust plate (nut) will only result in rack failure.. I've seen it happen to many cars so far. there is a repair thrust piece, but the repair is not easy and it requires a special tool that so far I've only been able to find on ECS and its on back order.

here's the repair manual: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...nit/1Vnc3X9PQZ