Squeaky steering
 

My X5 ('01 3.0 95k) just developed a squeaking noise emanating from the steering column which sounds like R2D2 after smoking a couple of joints.

I notice it when I'm turning the wheel at low speeds, such as during parking.

A search came up with this on the X3 forum and it was commented that this is a common prob with the X5s
http://www.xoutpost.com/x3-e83-forum/...queaking+noise

Anyone had this problem? I can live with it and usually just crank up my stereo, but I wanted to ensure that this wasn't a sign of a bigger problem.

Try changing the ATF fluid in your PS reservoir:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...steering+fluid

could also be your ball joints. If the rubber has deteriorated the grease will leak out and thats were the noise comes in. If you raise the front end then turn wheels you will have a better idea. If the noise stops then I would say it ball joints but, check into it and let us know

Could be the steering bushes?

Is that a question, or a suggestion?

It is an old thread. Squeaking in the steering column, near the steering wheel, was fairly common on early X5s. It was the plastic rubbing on plastic.

Sorry for resurrecting an old thread, my car has a squeaky steering wheel sound and they replaced the steering bush and it didn't work.

The technician said on all X5's he's worked on, that's fixed it so I was offering a suggestion.

Mines a 54 facelift model.

My squeak sounded like metal rubbing on metal, coming from the engine compartment on cold weather for the first few right slow turns. my PSF was so low (almost empty reservoir) so i topped it with ATF from Havoline (MD3, compatible with Dexron III.. actually, it stands for Mercon/Dexron) and the squeak is gone!

I hope this helps...

and you can try to move the steering wheel a little bit down... on the upper most postion, it puts some strain... I learnt that here as well :)

Yep...my problem was resolved by topping up the Power Steering with ATF.

~thread bumped, since this one is close to my question~

what would be a proper fix for it?
-would some lube work?
- any specific part that is know to cause the squeek in the column?

You need to narrow down whether the noise is at the steering wheel, in the column, or closer to the steering rack.

The one I remember sounded like two pieces of plastic rubbing, and it was right at the wheel.

If it is right at the wheel, there is a slip ring that caused problems on early models. For that, you have to take the steering wheel off, and you are looking for a plastic ring that is rubbing. Some lube can help.

If it is in the column, it can be a bushing, or the pinch bolt near the firewall (from another post, I haven't worked on that component myself).

If it is lower down, it can be the rack, either a problem with fluid (resolved by topping off the fluid in the reservoir) or with the rack itself.