1997 E36 BMW creaking steering/clutch

matty538

Sorry its a little long winded but thought Id explain and cover everything to start with.
Hopefully some of the good people on here can give me some help, as Im now totally at a loss.
A few days ago I had a squeaking noise when turning the steering wheel, and I was told to grease the bearing where the column meets the firewall,and all was well for a day or so.
The noise then returned with a vengeance, worse than before and more like a pinging spring sound, this time out came trusty WD40 which I sprayed in the same area and also the universal joints.
The yesterday all was quiet again, drove the car too work, about 8 miles and the noise was back, but now when depressing the clutch pedal I seem to get the same noise as turning the wheel, an both noises seem to be coming from under the bonnet near the firewall, with and without the engine running.
Today I bought some copper grease and regreased all the areas again, then under the dash i greased all the movable points on the clutch.
I will leave it until morning but I wont hold my breath. Does anyone have any idea what I may inadvertently done or better still any idea how to cure the problem.
Your help will be very much appreciated.

almillar

Sorry, I can't help, but these people probably can...
http://www.e36coupe.com (don't worry about the coupe bit, they cover all the 1991-1999 3 Series)

matty538

Been a member there for about six years mate and the new address is https://www.bmwowner.com same site though.
Theyve been no help though, not one reply.

Pew_Pew_Pew_Lasers!

Copper grease isn't going to help, its abrasive. Remove it, and use proper grease. Chances are a rubber boot has failed somewhere.

matty538

I didnt know that, will get some white lithium grease again and try that then.
How can i remove the copper grease though.
As for rubber boots i dont think there are any in the area, and dont really understand how it could cause that type of noise, any input would be much appreciated though.