Knocking after steering rack replaced

[Zedhed]

As above folks,its driving me mad now and just cannot locate it.changed the rack for a reconditioned one put it all back together and tested it,this is when the knocking started.next day i noticed the steering gaitor was filling with fluid again,so at this point im really p****d off.took it all back off again,and the idiots had not fitted the bush in the one end,so put the knocking down to that.anyway changed again for another one,all back together and still the same knock.just been outside and tightened everything up again but no joy.everything on the front is also new,drop links,control arms,track rods etc.

[marti]

There maybe an airlock??

[Zedhed]

Really?the knocking sounds like a drop link knock.funny thing is after about half an hours driving its almost non existent.never heard of an airlock that can cause a knocking.

[graemeX5]

Hi

It's a challenge as the suspension is certainly involved. Is the knocking present when driving only or also there when stationary?

I was thinking if present when stationary as well could it be the power steering pump knocking when you turn the wheel but if the wheel is not being turned and just in the dead ahead position there is no knocking.

If the knocking is only when moving is it worth checking there is no play in the wheel bearing by checking the wheel top and bottom when it's jacked up or if there is play side to side which is unlikely as you replaced drop links and track rod ends etc.

The only other thing is if you have access is to have the car on a ramp and check for play by carefully using a pry bar - have you done the top and bottom control arms on each side ?

Graeme

[graemeX5]

Hi

Here is a link to realoem which you can look at the suspension and  have you replace both sets of Control arms or checked them see link below although it looks like the service kit is for front and back

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=31_0910

Graeme

[graemeX5]

Hi

Last and possibly a stupid thiught was the exhaust as that has mountings at the front so it some maybe worth a quick check it isn't knocking at the front

Graeme

[Zedhed]

Checked absolutely everything folks,but just found something interesting on google is that the large female torx nut on the rack needs adjustment.many people have had the same trouble and this has sorted it.apparently its just a nylon damper.

[graemeX5]

Glad you got it sorted and useful to know what the solution was after all

[marti]

Something so simple, well done on sorting it, many would have given up!

[henrym3]

You haven’t actually said if it sorted yours? Where is this nylon damper nut located. Just in case this problem comes to visit me. Cheers.

[Zedhed]

No henry not sorted yet,but i visited the place where i had the rack refurbed yesterday and checked first with them,and he said no not to touch that.i told him the symptoms and he reckons its the driveshaft.after half hours driving though when its hot,noise is almost non existent.it made me think though as at the same time i did have to knock out the driveshaft quite hard as i could not budge it,so weather ive knackered it or not i dont know.

[henrym3]

Right move going to see the rack people, can’t believe everything you read on tinder web, I have in the past put a car up on axle stands and (level ground obviously) run the engine in gear. I know the driveshafts wouldn’t be in their natural position but if you can’t find the noise it might be worth a shot. Or is that sort of thing frowned on in these days of helf & safety.

[Zedhed]

If the drop links was not new i would swear it was them knocking as its just that kind of noise.cant workout why it as good as stops when hot.could it be top mounts i suppose as i was twisted and pulling the hub as the control arms were free.