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.

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.

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.

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

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.