Steering wheel column rattle/buzz?

PLuKE · 02-08-2018, 02:27 PM

I have noticed for a few months now that my steering wheel column has a buzz/rattle on the rougher road surface, even when I touch or push the column, adjust the steering wheel it’s still there, again only on the rougher road surface.

Has anybody else has his, or has a cure?

Thanks
Luke

ronanz · 02-08-2018, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLuKE

I have noticed for a few months now that my steering wheel column has a buzz/rattle on the rougher road surface, even when I touch or push the column, adjust the steering wheel it’s still there, again only on the rougher road surface.

Has anybody else has his, or has a cure?

Thanks
Luke

If you don’t find your answer in link below...search “steering column rattle fix”

Has been covered many times...

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=923182

.

flyguy27 · 02-08-2018, 11:25 PM

I used to have this and it was annoying. I fixed by removind the bottom steering column trim, stuffing 2 foam sponge on left and right column and reassembling. Hasnt made a noise since and it has been over a year.

raquettelaker2 · 02-09-2018, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguy27

I used to have this and it was annoying. I fixed by removind the bottom steering column trim, stuffing 2 foam sponge on left and right column and reassembling. Hasnt made a noise since and it has been over a year.

I have it too and have had no success getting my dealer to give it the time of day.

How hard is it to remove the trim? Does it just pop off or do you need to remove the airbag and steering wheel to get to it?

raquettelaker2 · 02-09-2018, 10:47 AM

I searched the part number on eBay in hopes of seeing what's inside the steering column before attempting to take it apart. It looks like there's Styrofoam sandwiched into the bottom of the cover that could easily make the buzzing sounds I've been experiencing if it's not secured in there. Counterproductive sound insulation I guess. No amount of pressure, prodding, poking, banging, on this area stops the sound for me.

Video (headphones recommended):

flyguy27 · 02-09-2018, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raquettelaker2

I have it too and have had no success getting my dealer to give it the time of day.

How hard is it to remove the trim? Does it just pop off or do you need to remove the airbag and steering wheel to get to it?

It is pretty easy to remove. No steering or airbag stuff. It just pops apart as it is clipped together. I believe i found the instructions on how to pull it apart on this forum iirc. Just do a search.

And the video you posted is spot on as to how my car used to sound before i fixed it.

raquettelaker2 · 02-09-2018, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguy27

It is pretty easy to remove. No steering or airbag stuff. It just pops apart as it is clipped together. I believe i found the instructions on how to pull it apart on this forum iirc. Just do a search.

And the video you posted is spot on as to how my car used to sound before i fixed it.

Awesome, thank you. Maybe I can tackle this this weekend!

PLuKE · 02-09-2018, 04:40 PM

Thanks.

I shall have a look this weekend!

Luke

raquettelaker2 · 02-14-2018, 07:57 AM

Alright, I think I'm onto something.

See here for column cover removal (go to 10:12):

You don't need to have the steering wheel removed, but I would recommend having it turned 180-degrees upside down so you can work through the top of the steering wheel to unplug connectors in the trim piece.

The lower column cover trim has a chunk of Styrofoam loosely sandwiched between two pieces of plastic. Mine was flopping around in there, squeaking against the plastic pieces. I would just remove it but I assume it's there because it has a purpose, like protecting your knees in a crash, I don't know...

Anyway, I got it out, took it apart and loaded up every plastic surface the foam touches with adhesive-backed craft fabric. There were obvious contact points where the plastic and foam have been chaffing for the past four years, but I put it everywhere. Putting it back together the result is a nice solid feeling piece of trim before reinstalling it back into the car.

The lighter colored felt is what my dealer probably put in there to try to solve the issue, but it doesn't touch any adjoining surfaces so it did nothing.

Will test drive this weekend on a road trip to Vermont, but I'm 97% sure this is the source of that death buzz.

Gurvini · 09-13-2018, 01:11 PM

I had my brake fluid changes yesterday and thought I'd mention it to the sales associate and he noted it down, when I went to collect the car he mentioned they had changed the steering wheel trim (the actual steering wheel trim) not the casing at the back which is making the noise.

Anyways, I've been in the car for a bit now and made sure i went over rough roads and the noise has actually gone. Albeit mine was very intermittent anyways and I could sometimes go days without hearing it, so lets see if that has done anything, I don't have high hopes..

El Conquistador · 12-15-2018, 08:53 PM

I have what sounds like a metal on insulation squeak around the steering column, but this was not it. Even drove around with this part off and still heard it.
Sounds further down the column. Any thoughts?

raquettelaker2 · 12-17-2018, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by El Conquistador

I have what sounds like a metal on insulation squeak around the steering column, but this was not it. Even drove around with this part off and still heard it.
Sounds further down the column. Any thoughts?

Yes! I went through a ton of trial and error trying to find this stupid noise.

Finally found it and explained here:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...05&postcount=9

And here:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8&postcount=15

sspade · 12-17-2018, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PLuKE

I have noticed for a few months now that my steering wheel column has a buzz/rattle on the rougher road surface, even when I touch or push the column, adjust the steering wheel it’s still there, again only on the rougher road surface.

Has anybody else has his, or has a cure?

Thanks
Luke

Had my column surround replaced under warranty for the exact same thing.

El Conquistador · 01-06-2019, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raquettelaker2

Yes! I went through a ton of trial and error trying to find this stupid noise.

Finally found it and explained here:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...05&postcount=9

And here:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8&postcount=15

I missed this response, I'll try it next weekend.

Thanks.

Whatsupguy · 05-16-2020, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by raquettelaker2

Yes! I went through a ton of trial and error trying to find this stupid noise.

Finally found it and explained here:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...05&postcount=9

And here:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8&postcount=15

Thanks for the info. Just bought my F30 and have the buzzing noise. Going to try this module fix to see if gets rid of it.

BoyOhBoyyy · 05-16-2020, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whatsupguy

Quote:

Originally Posted by raquettelaker2

Yes! I went through a ton of trial and error trying to find this stupid noise.

Finally found it and explained here:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...38;postcount=9

And here:

https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8;postcount=15

Thanks for the info. Just bought my F30 and have the buzzing noise. Going to try this module fix to see if gets rid of it.

Great job pushing this thread up. Just got a bmw and heard this buzz as well. Will tackle this asap

Whatsupguy · 06-06-2020, 02:41 PM

So, removed the kick panel and was able to stuff some rattle tape up between the module and it’s clip. A little awkward for me to access it. The rattle hasn't completely gone but is a lot less frequent and only really aggravated on rougher roads. Hoping it holds up. Any other ideas?

antzcrashing · 05-07-2021, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whatsupguy

So, removed the kick panel and was able to stuff some rattle tape up between the module and it's clip. A little awkward for me to access it. The rattle hasn't completely gone but is a lot less frequent and only really aggravated on rougher roads. Hoping it holds up. Any other ideas?

Can you describe where and what this kick panel is?

Whatsupguy · 05-07-2021, 08:31 PM

It’s the plastic cover on drivers side under your steering wheel where your knees would be. 2 screws if I remember right. Unscrew and you can pull it down to access the module.

slavu · 02-22-2023, 02:36 PM

Hi Guys, last year I have bought F31 LCI 2019 and I am dealing with the same death buzzing sound from somewhere in steering wheel trims or the dash or gauges. I have a question: could You please confirm that You were succeeded in removing this horrible buzzing sound off and it has been produced by plastic clip which holded the electornic module placed on the drivers side above the rest pedal ?

schernov · 02-22-2023, 03:01 PM

see tsb

slavu · 02-23-2023, 01:39 AM

Thank You for reply. This document says about noise when turning the steering wheel, but noise in my car is exactly the same as on the video above (IMG 8297 sent by raquettelaker2) and probably refers to the buzzing electonic module which is poor mounted.
Does anyone of You were trying to solve the problem and can firmly confirm that it works ?
I just dont want to diassemble the trims if this will not take effect.

02-08-2018, 02:27 PM	#1
PLuKE Private 9 Rep 68 Posts Drives: n/a Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: England, Suffolk iTrader: (0)	Steering wheel column rattle/buzz? I have noticed for a few months now that my steering wheel column has a buzz/rattle on the rougher road surface, even when I touch or push the column, adjust the steering wheel it’s still there, again only on the rougher road surface. Has anybody else has his, or has a cure? Thanks Luke
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02-08-2018, 11:25 PM	#3
flyguy27 Private First Class 40 Rep 125 Posts Drives: 2013 328I Sportline Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i [0.00]	I used to have this and it was annoying. I fixed by removind the bottom steering column trim, stuffing 2 foam sponge on left and right column and reassembling. Hasnt made a noise since and it has been over a year.
	Appreciate 1 zamboni1127.50 Quote

02-09-2018, 10:47 AM	#5
raquettelaker2 Private 31 Rep 55 Posts Drives: 2014 328i xDrive M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	I searched the part number on eBay in hopes of seeing what's inside the steering column before attempting to take it apart. It looks like there's Styrofoam sandwiched into the bottom of the cover that could easily make the buzzing sounds I've been experiencing if it's not secured in there. Counterproductive sound insulation I guess. No amount of pressure, prodding, poking, banging, on this area stops the sound for me. Video (headphones recommended): __________________ Current...2014 328i xDrive M-Sport Past.......2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo-X, 2004 Saab 9-5 Aero, 1994 Saab 900 Turbo Commemorative Edition, 2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-09-2018, 04:40 PM	#8
PLuKE Private 9 Rep 68 Posts Drives: n/a Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: England, Suffolk iTrader: (0)	Thanks. I shall have a look this weekend! Luke
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02-14-2018, 07:57 AM	#9
raquettelaker2 Private 31 Rep 55 Posts Drives: 2014 328i xDrive M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (0)	Alright, I think I'm onto something. See here for column cover removal (go to 10:12): You don't need to have the steering wheel removed, but I would recommend having it turned 180-degrees upside down so you can work through the top of the steering wheel to unplug connectors in the trim piece. The lower column cover trim has a chunk of Styrofoam loosely sandwiched between two pieces of plastic. Mine was flopping around in there, squeaking against the plastic pieces. I would just remove it but I assume it's there because it has a purpose, like protecting your knees in a crash, I don't know... Anyway, I got it out, took it apart and loaded up every plastic surface the foam touches with adhesive-backed craft fabric. There were obvious contact points where the plastic and foam have been chaffing for the past four years, but I put it everywhere. Putting it back together the result is a nice solid feeling piece of trim before reinstalling it back into the car. The lighter colored felt is what my dealer probably put in there to try to solve the issue, but it doesn't touch any adjoining surfaces so it did nothing. Will test drive this weekend on a road trip to Vermont, but I'm 97% sure this is the source of that death buzz. __________________ Current...2014 328i xDrive M-Sport Past.......2008 Saab 9-3 Turbo-X, 2004 Saab 9-5 Aero, 1994 Saab 900 Turbo Commemorative Edition, 2001 Saab 9-5 SE V6
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-13-2018, 01:11 PM	#10
Gurvini Private 28 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 16' 318D M Sport Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I had my brake fluid changes yesterday and thought I'd mention it to the sales associate and he noted it down, when I went to collect the car he mentioned they had changed the steering wheel trim (the actual steering wheel trim) not the casing at the back which is making the noise. Anyways, I've been in the car for a bit now and made sure i went over rough roads and the noise has actually gone. Albeit mine was very intermittent anyways and I could sometimes go days without hearing it, so lets see if that has done anything, I don't have high hopes..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-15-2018, 08:53 PM	#11
El Conquistador Banned 338 Rep 571 Posts Drives: M240 Vert - 6M as god intended Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (3)	I have what sounds like a metal on insulation squeak around the steering column, but this was not it. Even drove around with this part off and still heard it. Sounds further down the column. Any thoughts?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-06-2020, 02:41 PM	#17
Whatsupguy Enlisted Member 20 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 2016 328ix Join Date: May 2020 Location: Ontario, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW 328ix [0.00]	So, removed the kick panel and was able to stuff some rattle tape up between the module and it’s clip. A little awkward for me to access it. The rattle hasn't completely gone but is a lot less frequent and only really aggravated on rougher roads. Hoping it holds up. Any other ideas?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-07-2021, 08:31 PM	#19
Whatsupguy Enlisted Member 20 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 2016 328ix Join Date: May 2020 Location: Ontario, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW 328ix [0.00]	It’s the plastic cover on drivers side under your steering wheel where your knees would be. 2 screws if I remember right. Unscrew and you can pull it down to access the module.
	Appreciate 2 antzcrashing1904.00 sshamim1.50 Quote

02-22-2023, 02:36 PM	#20
slavu New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: F31 2019 Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Warsaw, Poland iTrader: (0)	Hi Guys, last year I have bought F31 LCI 2019 and I am dealing with the same death buzzing sound from somewhere in steering wheel trims or the dash or gauges. I have a question: could You please confirm that You were succeeded in removing this horrible buzzing sound off and it has been produced by plastic clip which holded the electornic module placed on the drivers side above the rest pedal ?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-23-2023, 01:39 AM	#22
slavu New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: F31 2019 Join Date: Feb 2023 Location: Warsaw, Poland iTrader: (0)	Thank You for reply. This document says about noise when turning the steering wheel, but noise in my car is exactly the same as on the video above (IMG 8297 sent by raquettelaker2) and probably refers to the buzzing electonic module which is poor mounted. Does anyone of You were trying to solve the problem and can firmly confirm that it works ? I just dont want to diassemble the trims if this will not take effect.
	Appreciate 0 Quote