Fixed the noise on the steering column

Deubert85 · 02-01-2019, 07:20 PM

2014 F15 50i has been producing a screech noise as it was raised and lowered but not extended. I saw many forums trying to address it, but I took my car in for some routine maintenance the other day and there is a notice out from BMW. Apparently there is an unnecessary torque screw that was putting tension on the bearings creating the noise. BMW recommenced just removing it. Took 2 mins and no more noise. If it helps anyone then, cheers!

Rotzy · 02-01-2019, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deubert85

2014 F15 50i has been producing a screech noise as it was raised and lowered but not extended. I saw many forums trying to address it, but I took my car in for some routine maintenance the other day and there is a notice out from BMW. Apparently there is an unnecessary torque screw that was putting tension on the bearings creating the noise. BMW recommenced just removing it. Took 2 mins and no more noise. If it helps anyone then, cheers!

Do you have a copy of the notice or a reference number I can give to the service advisor? Mine had been making noise for years. The only time it has been quiet in the last year and a half is the 3 days before and after my last service visit!

sbinshihon · 02-02-2019, 04:23 AM

Which screw is that? Do you have a picture of it

Deubert85 · 02-02-2019, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotzy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deubert85

2014 F15 50i has been producing a screech noise as it was raised and lowered but not extended. I saw many forums trying to address it, but I took my car in for some routine maintenance the other day and there is a notice out from BMW. Apparently there is an unnecessary torque screw that was putting tension on the bearings creating the noise. BMW recommenced just removing it. Took 2 mins and no more noise. If it helps anyone then, cheers!

Do you have a copy of the notice or a reference number I can give to the service advisor? Mine had been making noise for years. The only time it has been quiet in the last year and a half is the 3 days before and after my last service visit!

My tech didn't give me any other information. It seemed pretty obvious to him, so I imagine that if your tech is in the system to receive updates, recalls and notices then it should be in there. I'll email my guy and get back with you if I get more information.

2euro · 02-02-2019, 04:53 PM

Would be great to know which screw so that we can fix ourselves.

DuSh · 02-02-2019, 06:35 PM

So steering column has 2 worm gear motors: 1 motor drives column in/out (marked with Blue dot) and another drives up/down (marked with Orange dot). Mounting points I marked with Green dots. Also, included several pics for orientation.

Now the up/down motor has a lever (marked with Pink color) that is very simple (when lever is puled column goes down, when it's extended column goes up) and is held by several torx bolts. I'm guessing it's one of those bolts that we can remove (marked them with Red dot)? I don't see any other bolts that can be related to motor worm gear/lever mechanism.

So I posted several pics. I think the black small bolt is a stopper? maybe that's the one to remove? Also you can see on one picture column is all the way down - the one where worm gear lever is retracted all the way.

I also thougth about just putting some lubricant on that worm gear - not sure if that's a good idea or not?

2euro · 02-02-2019, 11:59 PM

Oh wow... if it requires you to remove the entire steering column, the slight squeaky noise I can deal with. Lol

alphaod · 02-03-2019, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2euro

Oh wow... if it requires you to remove the entire steering column, the slight squeaky noise I can deal with. Lol

But I think eventually the column will fail and you need to replace. Better maintain than replace later…

sdk8103 · 02-03-2019, 07:59 AM

I took mine in under warranty and that is what they told me they did to fix it. I was skeptical, but it fixed it and it hasn't been an issue since fixed about 12 months ago.

Deubert85 · 02-03-2019, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2euro

Oh wow... if it requires you to remove the entire steering column, the slight squeaky noise I can deal with. Lol

It's not that involved. It took him about 5 mins. I'll touch base with the tech on Monday and get more details.

DuSh · 02-03-2019, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2euro

Oh wow... if it requires you to remove the entire steering column, the slight squeaky noise I can deal with. Lol

I just posted pics of removed steering column so that we can see all the bolts, but actually you don't have to remove it - there's a plastic trim that you remove under steering wheel (I think it's 2 panels held on clips/retaining lugs) and you'll have almost full access to steering column - looking from below. Motors and lever are pointing towards carpet (down) so they will be fully exposed to tinker with.

BTW I think it's that small black screw. it's on the left side of steering column when looking from below - I'm guessing it's just sticking out too much and touching the column when tilting up/down

2euro · 02-04-2019, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuSh

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2euro

Oh wow... if it requires you to remove the entire steering column, the slight squeaky noise I can deal with. Lol

I just posted pics of removed steering column so that we can see all the bolts, but actually you don't have to remove it - there's a plastic trim that you remove under steering wheel (I think it's 2 panels held on clips/retaining lugs) and you'll have almost full access to steering column - looking from below. Motors and lever are pointing towards carpet (down) so they will be fully exposed to tinker with.

BTW I think it's that small black screw. it's on the left side of steering column when looking from below - I'm guessing it's just sticking out too much and touching the column when tilting up/down

Oh cool. I'll give it a look over and see. Do we slightly loosen the bolt for the squeak to stop? Just confirming.

Deubert85 · 02-04-2019, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2euro

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuSh

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2euro

Oh wow... if it requires you to remove the entire steering column, the slight squeaky noise I can deal with. Lol

I just posted pics of removed steering column so that we can see all the bolts, but actually you don't have to remove it - there's a plastic trim that you remove under steering wheel (I think it's 2 panels held on clips/retaining lugs) and you'll have almost full access to steering column - looking from below. Motors and lever are pointing towards carpet (down) so they will be fully exposed to tinker with.

BTW I think it's that small black screw. it's on the left side of steering column when looking from below - I'm guessing it's just sticking out too much and touching the column when tilting up/down

Oh cool. I'll give it a look over and see. Do we slightly loosen the bolt for the squeak to stop? Just confirming.

Fully remove

F85MTuNED · 02-04-2019, 04:30 PM

Funny because I just Experience this but then all of a sudden the sound went away

Deubert85 · 02-04-2019, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F85MTuNED

Funny because I just Experience this but then all of a sudden the sound went away

It started getting out of hand when it got colder

2euro · 02-04-2019, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deubert85

It started getting out of hand when it got colder

This... I started to noticed it when it got colder.

wbj007 · 02-05-2019, 08:34 PM

2015 F15 - I just got hit with this a few days ago. I only hear it when the tilt is going up, not down, and not in and out. It seems to be when the temp outside was really cold fo ra week then warmed up again. Interested in the bulletin ID, etc if someone can get it.

Googone20 · 02-10-2019, 07:02 AM

Has anyone confirmed this is the correct bolt to remove with a dealer yet? Seems like everyone is guessing in the comments above. Is this also contributing to many of the dead electronic steering columns we have heard about in the past? Removal of the bolt, and proper lubricating of the column should allow for smoother operation, less binding, and prolonged life in my opinion.

rayxi330 · 03-01-2019, 06:43 PM

Yes, I've been experiencing this problem over the last 2 winters. Squeaking is louder when it's cold. Dealer looked at it 2 years ago and now it's back.

It's been extremely cold, -32 C with the wind chill, so I probably won't get a chance to look at it until it gets warmer. If anyone can confirm the fix and/or have tips for gaining access to the column that would be great. I don't want to break any clips removing the panels.

11_335D · 03-06-2019, 10:53 PM

Anyone have instructions on how to remove the plastic panels just underneath the steering column to gain access to this screw?

W37V · 03-07-2019, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11_335D

Anyone have instructions on how to remove the plastic panels just underneath the steering column to gain access to this screw?

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...umn/1VnXWpJMwQ

Muzza · 10-14-2019, 10:59 PM

Are there any more developments on this? The intermittent squeak is driving me insane. Have gone in and lubed things up, just as you think it’s gone it just comes back.

Trying to get to those bolts with a tool is 9/10 difficulty. If we categorically knew what to do exactly, the focus could help.

02-01-2019, 07:20 PM	#1
Deubert85 New Member 24 Rep 9 Posts Drives: 2014 F15 50i Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: Knoxville TN iTrader: (0)	Fixed the noise on the steering column 2014 F15 50i has been producing a screech noise as it was raised and lowered but not extended. I saw many forums trying to address it, but I took my car in for some routine maintenance the other day and there is a notice out from BMW. Apparently there is an unnecessary torque screw that was putting tension on the bearings creating the noise. BMW recommenced just removing it. Took 2 mins and no more noise. If it helps anyone then, cheers!
	Appreciate 7 Russmov1328.00 LocksmithNick1142.00 sbinshihon684.50 Carlos_330e0.00 OFFWHITEX5325.50 jmack1231300.50 LateParty2018X535d0.00 Tweet Quote

02-02-2019, 04:23 AM	#3
sbinshihon Captain 685 Rep 674 Posts Drives: X5 M Sport Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	Which screw is that? Do you have a picture of it
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-02-2019, 04:53 PM	#5
2euro Private First Class 98 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 50iMSport Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: BayArea iTrader: (0)	Would be great to know which screw so that we can fix ourselves. __________________ 2015 BMW X5 50i MSport \| Alpine White
	Appreciate 1 Hellrot240.50 Quote

02-02-2019, 06:35 PM	#6
DuSh Colonel 2114 Rep 2,388 Posts Drives: F15 X5 50i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	So steering column has 2 worm gear motors: 1 motor drives column in/out (marked with Blue dot) and another drives up/down (marked with Orange dot). Mounting points I marked with Green dots. Also, included several pics for orientation. Now the up/down motor has a lever (marked with Pink color) that is very simple (when lever is puled column goes down, when it's extended column goes up) and is held by several torx bolts. I'm guessing it's one of those bolts that we can remove (marked them with Red dot)? I don't see any other bolts that can be related to motor worm gear/lever mechanism. So I posted several pics. I think the black small bolt is a stopper? maybe that's the one to remove? Also you can see on one picture column is all the way down - the one where worm gear lever is retracted all the way. I also thougth about just putting some lubricant on that worm gear - not sure if that's a good idea or not? Attached Images Last edited by DuSh; 02-02-2019 at 06:54 PM..
	Appreciate 3 P111572.00 HJ478.00 mrfochon211.00 Quote

02-02-2019, 11:59 PM	#7
2euro Private First Class 98 Rep 118 Posts Drives: 2015 X5 50iMSport Join Date: Oct 2018 Location: BayArea iTrader: (0)	Oh wow... if it requires you to remove the entire steering column, the slight squeaky noise I can deal with. Lol __________________ 2015 BMW X5 50i MSport \| Alpine White
	Appreciate 1 LocksmithNick1142.00 Quote

		BMW X5 and X6 Forum (F15/F16) > BMW X5 (F15) and BMW X6 (F16) Forum > BMW X5 and X6 (F15/F16) Forum
Fixed the noise on the steering column

02-03-2019, 07:59 AM	#9
sdk8103 Private 43 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2014 X5 X35i Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Denver, NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW X5 Xdrive3.5i [0.00]	I took mine in under warranty and that is what they told me they did to fix it. I was skeptical, but it fixed it and it hasn't been an issue since fixed about 12 months ago. __________________ Steve 2014 X5 xDrive35i 1983 320i (many years ago, but it's good to be back in a BMW)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-04-2019, 04:30 PM	#14
F85MTuNED IG: @88jae88 1621 Rep 1,734 Posts Drives: ///Ⓜ️ Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: NY / NJ iTrader: (1)	Funny because I just Experience this but then all of a sudden the sound went away __________________ IM POOR..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-05-2019, 08:34 PM	#17
wbj007 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X5 Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	2015 F15 - I just got hit with this a few days ago. I only hear it when the tilt is going up, not down, and not in and out. It seems to be when the temp outside was really cold fo ra week then warmed up again. Interested in the bulletin ID, etc if someone can get it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-10-2019, 07:02 AM	#18
Googone20 Lieutenant 176 Rep 401 Posts Drives: 2015 X5, 2007 M6 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Lake Orion, MI iTrader: (0)	Has anyone confirmed this is the correct bolt to remove with a dealer yet? Seems like everyone is guessing in the comments above. Is this also contributing to many of the dead electronic steering columns we have heard about in the past? Removal of the bolt, and proper lubricating of the column should allow for smoother operation, less binding, and prolonged life in my opinion. __________________ 2015 BMW X5 35d Msport Carbon Black/Mocha Nappa 2013 Cadillac Escalade Platinum Diamond White Pearl/Cocoa 2007 BMW M6 Sapphire Black Metallic/Black 2005 Ninja 636 Lime Green
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-01-2019, 06:43 PM	#19
rayxi330 Registered 2 Rep 3 Posts Drives: F15, E46 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Yes, I've been experiencing this problem over the last 2 winters. Squeaking is louder when it's cold. Dealer looked at it 2 years ago and now it's back. It's been extremely cold, -32 C with the wind chill, so I probably won't get a chance to look at it until it gets warmer. If anyone can confirm the fix and/or have tips for gaining access to the column that would be great. I don't want to break any clips removing the panels.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2019, 10:53 PM	#20
11_335D Enlisted Member 34 Rep 44 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 335D Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: VA iTrader: (0)	Anyone have instructions on how to remove the plastic panels just underneath the steering column to gain access to this screw? __________________ 2011 335D sport 2014 X5 35D m-sport 2014 X5 35I luxline
	Appreciate 1 KillFox9183.00 Quote

10-14-2019, 10:59 PM	#22
Muzza Private First Class 56 Rep 111 Posts Drives: X5 F15 x50 Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	Are there any more developments on this? The intermittent squeak is driving me insane. Have gone in and lubed things up, just as you think it’s gone it just comes back. Trying to get to those bolts with a tool is 9/10 difficulty. If we categorically knew what to do exactly, the focus could help.
	Appreciate 0 Quote