Popping or Knocking Noise when engaging Reverse and pressing Break Pedal

Popping or Knocking Noise when engaging Reverse and pressing Break Pedal

This is my first post, so I will try to describe everything as clear as possible. I have a 2000 E39 BMW steptronic. It's got over 100k miles on the clock. When I put it in reverse especially in the morning, I hear a popping/knocking noise, but I must explain this clearly. Here are the conditions for this noise.

1. The noise ONLY comes when I break while in reverse gear.

2. So I would engage reverse gear in the morning to drive out the driveway and the car will be absolutely "Quite" ... as soon as I press the break pedal while reversing out the driveway, it starts the popping/knocking noise. When I release the break pedal and continue to reverse the noise STOPS immediately. I can also feel the vibration lightly on the steering wheel since I've started monitoring and studying the behaviour of this noise.

3. When I turn the steering wheel, either left or right, the noise STOPS immediately and this is almost guaranteed.

4. As soon as I "stop turning" the steering wheel (removing my hands from the steering wheel) the noise comes back immediately ! Please note that I don't have to make the wheels straight, as soon as I take my hands off the steering wheel, the noise will start immediately, even while the wheels are partially or fully turned.

To put it in a nutshell: This noise will happen when I am in
a. "reverse gear" and I am
b. "holding the break pedal" (Not moving) and I
c. "let go of the steering wheel" to ensure that I am NOT somehow turning it or putting tension on it

Although I am worried about this damn noise, I have been driving the car for quite a while with this noise, almost 4 months. In the beginning, this noise was pretty light, now it's getting louder with time ! Can someone please advise me on what the likely or possible root of this noise is ?? I opened the hood and checked in there with my girlfriend rehearsing the moves to produce this noise, all I see is that there is some oil spill sticking outside the power steering pipe from the reservoir (I don't wonna touch the pipe due to the oil spill on it!). The pipe is vibrating vigorously in tandem with the noise. As soon as the car is put in neutral (or the steering is turned) which would STOP the noise, the pipe "stops vibrating vigorously" also.

It is "brake" not "break"...LOL.

Check all 4 brake calipers for any loose parts.

oh yea ! u got me there ) typing too fast ! getting tired of this rootless noise !

Brake calipers ?? You reckon ! U know when I go over a little hump or rather as the rear wheels land after going over the hump, with my windows open, I hear a noise like someone banging the kitchen drawer full of cutlery. That's the closest direct relation to brake calipers I can think of ! I don't doubt your advise at all, but I am lazy to check the calipers unless I have some reason why they would be directly related to the noise from the steering wheel. I'll check them 2moro morning anyway.

It could be loose strut or shock mounts too.

If you are too lazy to check the brake calipers or suspension then keep watching the Winter Olympics.

The pipe is vibrating vigorously in tandem with the noise. As soon as the car is put in neutral (or the steering is turned) which would STOP the noise, the pipe "stops vibrating vigorously" also.[/QUOTE]

I'm not an expert but check for the engine mounts, also if the front rubber of the thrust arm are gone may sound a popping when you change gear.

Originally Posted by Dmendez

The pipe is vibrating vigorously in tandem with the noise. As soon as the car is put in neutral (or the steering is turned) which would STOP the noise, the pipe "stops vibrating vigorously" also.

I'm not an expert but check for the engine mounts, also if the front rubber of the thrust arm are gone may sound a popping when you change gear.[/QUOTE]

Ahhhh, the problem turned out to be = . . . . It was simply *Engine Mounts* guys . . . thank you Dmendez ! First obvious thing turned out to actually be the problem . . .