Right turn makes grinding noise/popping

[brians_atbay]

Well, I just picked up a 1989 325i yesterday, (paid $1,500) so i knew their were going to be some problems.

Either then the smoking and catalytic converter problems, this suspension problem is REALLY freaking me out!

After i start the car the first time, the first.. I would say 180 degree turn I make, there's a REALLY loud pop on the right wheel (around that general area, I dont think its the wheel but maybe the suspension) and then followed by a pretty nasty vibration. The pop only happens once, after i start the car and make the first decent right turn. It only lasts for a second, but its loud and unsettling.Now, the pop is remaining somewhat consistent, but I've noticed a grinding sound when i even turn the car to the right just a hair. Not only is there a grinding sound, when I turn to the right, its stiffer then when I turn to the left.. this sound remains no matter what and its only getting worse.

When im on the freeway, you cant hear the sound, but you can feel the difference from right to left. When im going anywhere from 5 to 40 mph you can hear the grinding and feel the change..

Im taking my car to an e30 specialist, but i have to wait until Wed. cause thats when hes free next, and I feel the more i drive it, the worse its getting and unfortanitly, I have no choice because my gf has my other car to drive and i need to get to work somehow.. catch 22.

If any of guys have any insight into this, I would GREATLY appreciate it!! I'd like to nip it in the butt before it gets any worse.

Thanks for reading friends!!

[Vtec?lol]

I have a really bad steering rack and it will pop when changing direction of the steer.

about you're issues

1. stop driving it. call a taxi or kick your girlfriend out of your other car. Don't put yourself or others in danger.
2. you've gotta better describe the vibration

say you're sitting still with the car "on" and in "park". turning the steering wheel in either direction, what happens?

if it's vibrating and rattling in park then you're steering rack is all twelve types of fucked and probably so is you power steering. I would definitely check out the rack and the pump. I'm pretty sure it's the rack though. and the pump.

1st check you're power steering fluid. Then get both front wheels jacked off the ground and pull on them in all directions. Then check for play in other parts that are connected to the wheels. Take pictures of what you find and then report back.

If it's not the above I would look at the top of your strut mounts and work my way down and go all the way back to the bushings in the lollipops.

[call me jack]

i would put the front end up in the air, and just start looking for something loose or bent. ball joint, tie rod end, sway bar link, ect.

it can't be something that complicated...

[brians_atbay]

Thanks for the quick response guys!! So I went in the car and turned it on, and then i turned the wheel all the way left to right. Believe it or not, I didnt hear or feel anything out of the ordinary. I then took it for a drive, and again, once I turned right that loud pop.. almost a crank. I was driving very slowly and I didnt experience much in the way of grinding when turning right or noise. It's inconsistent, but when it comes up it's pretty bad.

'call me jack' I appreciate the tip. When its daylight I will put it on a jack or preferably a lift and see if theres anything loose or bent. The sound itself, sounds like the wheel is bending something and it gives way and pops out.. almost like a bone snapping. I wish i was more savvy with this kind of stuff because im sure if it was your car, you'd be able to identify the culprit right away.

again, I really appreciate your insight!

[dreamer420]

I had another car before my E30 that would pop and grind turning in either direction. started to happen every single time after awhile. It had torn CV boots letting shit in.
my guess is you might have a similar issue. If so, id just replace the whole rack