Infamous Steering Creaking Sound

[Arm]

Just wanted to let you all know that my car...a 2019 i3s BEV...is developing this issue. It's particularly pronounced right now as it's cold and it seems (via the TSB out for this issue) the issue occurs more frequently in colder climates. It has something to do either with the steering spindle or top mounts not being lubricated sufficiently.

Frankly, this is my 5th i3 and it's happened on 3 of them. There are some predictable pain points across the board with this car. This being one of them.

Anyone else notice this? It's a creaking/groaning sound when turning the steering at low speeds or stationery.

Here are the two possibly related TSBs.

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10151311-9999.pdf

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2016/MC-10150906-9999.pdf

 

[SSi3]

Yup my 2019 i3s BEV has started the steering creaking this winter, never did it in the past winters. I will have to bring it up at my next service in the spring, thanks for the links!

 

[EvanstonI3]

My 2017 JUST started making this sound when turning left at slow speed and going over a bump. Only cold weather and only when turning left. I thought maybe it was a bit of rock stuck in a brake caliper.

Thanks, good to have things to check out later when it gets warmer.

 

[tliet]

Reviving this somewhat older thread. I've noticed that in my 2019 42 kWh BEV the steering has developed a ever so slight 'knack' when turning. Only noticed this the last few weeks, it's been colder for a few months but it's been raining like hell over the last few weeks.

Those service bulletins that are posted by OP, are they also applicable to the > 2018 models?

 

[Simoni3]

likely the strut bearing wearing out, mine went on one side after about 65k miles, one side only, odd