Damage to the 5 Series F10's chassis and a dead spot in the steering

[Diveintothebluee]

Greetings to everyone

Apologies if this is the wrong place to post, but I will give it a go anyhow.

I have been aware of a knocking noise emanating from what appears to be the front passenger side of the vehicle for the last eight weeks. The first time I heard the knocking was when I was slowly backing out of a parking spot; it sounded like the wheel was turning in time with the noise. After a while, it stopped and only did it sometimes.

After a few weeks had passed, I noticed it once more as I backed out of my driveway. Several more sporadic instances occurred over the subsequent weeks, and then I heard it again, this time a bit more clearly, last week. Then, on last week's hottest day, it was terrible; the knocking was worse when braking and steering, and it sounded like it was coming from the center of the car. I pulled over and made an appointment at the garage for a few days later. Nothing the following day either. I should mention that for some time now, when I'm going above 50 mph, the steering has felt a bit loose. It's strange to describe, but it's like I'm constantly gripping the wheel to keep the car central to the road, even though it's going straight.

Nothing was found when the car went into the garage on Wednesday. Got to work on Thursday without any problems. I felt unsafe on the highway on my way home from work. I had to make little adjustments all the time to keep it in the middle of the road. Once I tried to turn the wheel an inch to the left, the car moved. Then I turned the wheel back to the center, and it seemed like it took a second for the wheels to follow the steering wheel. Get in touch with a different garage; they took it in today, but came up empty-handed. The suspension, tie rod ends, and anything else you can think of related to that area are all good. As far as they're concerned, the only thing inside the steering rack could be making the noise, but when I stand still and turn the wheel, it makes absolutely no sound.

Again this evening, drove it without knocking or straying. It is beyond my comprehension. If anyone has any suggestions, please share!

[Diveintothebluee]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=auto+parts&linkCode=gg3

[Benjamin_RR]

Long trips on the highway were exhausting in my f11 520d, so I understand the frustration of constantly having to correct the steering.

One side of my lower arm had a little play in the ball joint, but it was barely noticeable. There was a little change due to alignment. Plus, I had the steering software updated, which made it much better, so it was tolerable. On the other hand, I discovered during my investigation that this was a common problem with the steering rack on the first generation 520d (the f10 and f11 models).

On the other hand, mine didn't squeak in such a way.

[Diveintothebluee]

I appreciate your response. Do I have this assumption about the need for a new steering rack correct? Would it be worthwhile for me to pay £149 to have my BMW analysed?

[andy_bmw_1965]

It's just how BMW rolls: they'll find a problem, whether it's with the rack or not. Then they'll replace it with a new one. Who knows if it's fixed or not? All you have to do is find a good independent mechanic—you can find locations on this site.

[andy_bmw_1965]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=BMW&linkCode=gg3

[Diveintothebluee]

H&C Motors is an Indy car dealership located in east Kent. Though it can be pricey, I've heard great things about

[mariobrother]

I experience analogous problems, as the knocking intensifies after prolonged driving. In the morning or after a few hours of inactivity, the vehicle operates adequately; however, my concern lies with the wheel bearing and suspension arm.

[Diveintothebluee]

The temperature reached approximately 30°C today, and upon departing my driveway, the knocking commenced.

I have conducted further research, and individuals have reported analogous problems in elevated temperatures. They indicated that despite the tie rods being inspected and appearing satisfactory, replacing them resolved the knocking issue. I am perplexed.