NYBIMMER_5

Hi guys,

I have an 06 530i. It has sports package and active steering.

When I make a left turn, there is like a rubbing sound and gets high pitched the faster i make the turn. If I turn right there is like a faint air sound I cant really descibe it.

When I accelerate, there is also this same kind of rubbing and grinding sound in the lower rpms. Sometimes its more prominent and sometimes its not even noticeable. Once I pass 1800 rpms it goes away. It happens when I accelerate and decelerate into that range.

I had Indy check the suspension, he said everything was fine. He took it for a drive and at the time it wasnt making the sound enough to hear so he really couldnt understand what I was explaining.

Can someone explain what this could possibly be? Power steering maybe?
Its really annoying

pcy

If you are absolutely sure the tires/wheels are not rubbing anywhere around the wheel arches, have the front wheel bearings checked.

NYBIMMER_5

Its definitely not the tires because I just replaced them 3 weeks ago, the old ones had no sign of any wear that they were rubbing. They are the correct size 245-40 18.

I forgot to mention that even in park, if i rev the engine abit, it makes the same like rubbing whining sound. Its really strange, makes me think its the pulleys, but when I turn it does it also.

pcy

If the noise persists even while the car is parked, then it can't be from the wheel bearings.

Next step would be to drop the drive belt and spin each pulley by hand and feel for any wobble or hear for noises.

Bill109

Is it worse on start up/cold starts.. does it clear up at all when the engine is warm?

NYBIMMER_5

Its the same when starting the engine, cold or warm. Even after a long highway drive, it can sound worse than when first started driving it. It sounds just awful sometimes, its irritating to hear when just cruising around.

Stephen Max

I suppose you checked the power steering fluid level?

NYBIMMER_5

Power Steering fluid level is good.

pcy

If the belt tensioner was never replaced, very likely, the tensioner pulley is worn out. Only way to confirm this is to drop the belt and spin the tensioner pulley by hand.

NYBIMMER_5

thanks pcy

I am going to have the belts and pulleys double checked. Once I can finally get these strange noises figured out I will report back here what exactly it was.