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318isCoup 
Newbie
Joined: 04-August-2005
Status: Offline
Points: 4
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 Topic: Clock Spring
Posted: 05-August-2005 at 06:34 |
Hi folks
I'm new to this but I figured I'd get some sound advice here. I have an annoying squeak and cracking noise from my steering column behind the steering wheel and on occasion it's actually locking up through turns - feels like it's stuck and I actually have to pull the wheel back.
I was told it was my Airbag clock spring and I got that looked at, but they admitted it didn't sort the problem and are telling me now that the whole lot will have to be stripped out and it could be bearings or something ?
I'm no mechanic, but this sounds a little off - Any advice would be appreciated.
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Richie
Bavarian-Board Forum Sponsor
Irish Region
Joined: 04-November-2002
Location: Dublin,Ireland
Status: Offline
Points: 2526
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Posted: 05-August-2005 at 06:45 |
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Welcome to the forum mate. Where did you get it looked at? Not sure what it could be myself but I'd avoid the dealers and take it to a good independent mechanic. Where are you based?
Richie
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Richie
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318isCoup
Newbie
Joined: 04-August-2005
Status: Offline
Points: 4
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Posted: 05-August-2005 at 09:24 |
Thanks for the Welcome.
I go to an Independent in North Dublin, always happy with their work and have recommended them to many, but I always query as she's only got 77K on her since '96 and the problems that crop up always seem big and pricey.
Going in next week - I'll let you all know the outcome.
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Richie
Bavarian-Board Forum Sponsor
Irish Region
Joined: 04-November-2002
Location: Dublin,Ireland
Status: Offline
Points: 2526
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Posted: 05-August-2005 at 09:36 |
Thats nice low mileage...what sort of spec is the car? Get some pics up here 
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Richie
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318isCoup
Newbie
Joined: 04-August-2005
Status: Offline
Points: 4
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Posted: 05-August-2005 at 10:02 |
Standard 318is spec with nothing changed, molested, or upgraded since she rolled off the four court. I've considered chipping and putting a sports air filter in her but the performance is always more than I need - Drove my mates e46 318Ci and it's slower and heavier - think it's a 1785 model though.
I'm considering upgrading soon for an e46 323 so don't think I'll bother playing with her at this stage.
Pics to follow.
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Richie
Bavarian-Board Forum Sponsor
Irish Region
Joined: 04-November-2002
Location: Dublin,Ireland
Status: Offline
Points: 2526
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Posted: 05-August-2005 at 10:23 |
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Sounds Nice. E46 323 is nice but they aren't as aggressive as the323 E36 in my opinion. I find mine very fast but discreet whereas the e36 kinda shouts if you get me.Louder engine,revs nicer too!
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Richie
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Dergside
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 16-May-2004
Location: Mid West, Ireland
Status: Offline
Points: 4000
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Posted: 05-August-2005 at 11:03 |
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If there is a finger pointing at the airbag I'd be inclined to go main dealer for a diagnosis and fix. It may cost more, but the airbag has a fairly important function to fill so it'd be nice to know it was up to it if needed!
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Now: BMW 523i SE '00, 318i SE - e91 '07, 325i Coupe '93.
Prev:
e46 328i SE Touring, 330Ci, 318Ci.
e39 523i SE.
e36 325i Coupe *2, 323i SE, 316iSE.
e30 325iSE 2dr, 320i Conv, 320i 2dr, 316i.
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Robbie Bradford
Really Senior Member II
Joined: 16-July-2004
Location: Co. Laois, Ireland.
Status: Offline
Points: 2124
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Posted: 05-August-2005 at 16:06 |
Welcome to the forum 
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T.J.
Bavarian-Board Contributor
Joined: 22-September-2003
Location: Cork, Ireland
Status: Offline
Points: 2332
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Posted: 06-August-2005 at 05:58 |
There is a bearing located at the top & the bottom of the steering column. This causes the sqeak, and in extremes the locking sensation you are experiencing. It is not the steering rack etc. Normally the squeak can be fixed by a bit of lube, but if it has reached the point of intermittent locking, it's the bearings. It happened to a mates 323 a few months ago.
I had a link on what the fix including diagrams, but I can't put my hand on it at the mo - I'll post it up on Monday
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Mazda 6 MPS
S1 Elise 135 Sport
Alfa Romeo 159 Sportwagon
Formerly E39 TDS, E36 M3, E36 328i, E34 525i, E34 518i
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318isCoup
Newbie
Joined: 04-August-2005
Status: Offline
Points: 4
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Posted: 16-August-2005 at 10:52 |
Turned out to be the Clock Spring. My specialist had fitted a Dud from a certain nameless main dealer so they just replaced it.
That the Labour and some new fuel hosing all for €198.
Not bad - and its perfect now.
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Richie
Bavarian-Board Forum Sponsor
Irish Region
Joined: 04-November-2002
Location: Dublin,Ireland
Status: Offline
Points: 2526
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Posted: 16-August-2005 at 11:08 |
Glad to hear it's sorted. Back to happy motoring again!
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Richie
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Clock Spring