996 Steering Noise

[targa]

My 996 Targa (2002) model has developed a crackling noise from the steering when it is turned. Noice stops when steering is in one position. Noice is very suttle. Any ideas?

Aamir

[targa]

Update - checked the steering oil - completely empty both when hot or cold. Sourced the appropriate oil from a local BMW dealer thinking it will need loads of oil. It filled up with 0.3 litre of the oil - so had to syringe some oil out. Noice (very mild crackling) still there. Any ideas please!!!

Should I have not added the oil?

[gazzab]

I guess that it is leaking and that the lack of oil might have damaged the mechanism. Is it under warranty? If not get to an indie now!

[nel]

On the PET drawings the system looks like it should have a bigger capacity than that, but I don't have a manual to hand for a 996 to confirm. If it's drained completely, then there might be a particular pump priming/circuit bleeding process to use. Pulley driven pump will probably not have appreciated running dry, so might be shagged now.

All that notwithstanding, even if the noise goes away with addition of more fluid as it makes its way round the system, it needs looking to find the source of the fluid loss.

Best of luck.

[targa]

After adding the oil - noise has not altered. If I move the steering wheel, even without the engine on, it makes the same crackling noice. Would this point towards some parts rubbing/friction? or does this not matter if the engine is off.

It is out of warranty now. So probably best to take it to an indie?

Thanks

[nel]

Well if the noise is there even when the engine's off then it's obviously not the pump. Maybe a problem in the rack itself if the gears have been running dry.

If you don't think that bleating to the OPC who did the last service will get you anywhere, then an indie is the way to go IMO. It won't stop you keeping the service book OPC stamped if that's what you want to do, and should at least save you money while this issue is sorted out.

[turbobloke]

Having read through this I'm wondering if the noise, described as crackling and present with the engine off, isn't the horn's electrical contacts making a louder than usual intermittent scraping sound as the wheel turns. Some aftermarket wheels are very loud in this respect. Otherwise, got me beat.