Steering Noise

A wierd thing happened this morning. started the car and when I turned the steering wheel I got a clunk, clunk, clunk noise. I turned the wheel three or four times to the left and right trying to listen for what was causing the noise when it suddenly stopped. I drove the car for 20 miles to work and it seems fine? Anyone any Ideas as to what this may have been? It was only making the clunking noise when I turned the steering wheel. BMW 320i Touring 2002 Auto

Axle boot.

Hi

what is axle boot?

Originally Posted by white_lancer

Hi

what is axle boot?

It is the joint for the axle. Here's some pictures: https://www.google.com/search?q=axle...w=1280&bih=835

When it goes bad, it makes a popping sound that you describe. You can turn the steering wheel one way and it will pop. But you can turn the steering wheel the other way and it will not pop.

That's what I think it could be from the information provided. It could also be a control arm or other part of the suspension; I have only replaced axles before so I can't offer much input on another suspension part.

Ah - I see what you are saying. I think this noise maybe something different. I don't know if there is a hydraulic pump or anything connected to the power stearing system. the clunk, clunk, clunk sound was almost like something was slipping?

when I turned the steering wheel to the left it would clunk about 3 or 4 times, then when I would turn the steering wheel to the right it would clunk 3 or 4 times. very strange. all of a sudden it stopped?

Check the strut mounts. If one has broken or collapsed, the rubber ring can rest on the upper spring perch and make a clunking sound as you rotate the strut and force the rubber to grip/release.

Was going to say steering giubo but it only clicks once every time you change direction of the wheel when cold. Probably not the issue here.

I drove the car 20 miles home last night and nothing. I drove 20 miles into work today and nothing. wierd!