2002 BMW 330 air noise. Hissing.

INDYRV6

MEMBER
2002 BMW 330
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
31,000 MILES

Car runs and operates fine. When you start it, you hear what appears to be air excaping from under the steering wheel. Out of the steering column. If you turn the wheel 1/4 turn, you can make it louder. Or make it go quiet. There are no leaks to be found. It could be from the power steering pump.

There is also a grinding noise that can come from the same area which I understand may be a bearing needing lubrication. But that is an occasional sound. The air noise is there all the time and varies in intensity as you turn the wheel. It is most noticeable when stopped and you turn the wheel to the right.

RS

3 Replies

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

There are no leaks to be found? You didn't look! There is a vacuum hose that touches the steering column. I have repaired lots of them. The other noise could be the clockspring in the steering wheel, for the airbag wires, they get noisy.

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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 AT 9:51 AM

INDYRV6

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Dr. Hagerty. Thanks for the response. Haven't torn it apart yet. I wanted to know what I was looking for first. I have the Haynes Repair Manual and plenty of time. It sounds like air. But there was nothing in the manual pointing to a vacuum line. And nothing to be found on a clockspring.

What is that vacuum line attached to? Why would the air noise stop when you turn the wheel 1/4 turn?

Is there one manual for this car that is better than all others? We plan on keeping it forever.

RS

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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 AT 11:11 AM

DOCHAGERTY

MECHANIC
9,601 POSTS

The line is connected to the intake manifold. The clock spring is in the steering column.
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mitchell1eautorepair-car-repair-manuals

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Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 AT 8:56 PM