BMW steering wheel rattle

[jacobtc]

Hi guys/gals!

My F20 recently developed a rattle from the steering wheel airbag area.
The rattle is Audible when driving normally, especially on uneven road.

I saw some posts with people having the trim around the airbag rattle, but I removed the airbag and checked if the rattle was gone, and it was. I am not about to shake my airbag to see if anything inside is rattling.

I found that if I gently ory up on the airbag, the rattle disappears, I recorded a video shiwunf the issue, and how I temporarily fix it by jamming some paper in the gap under the airbag.

Has anyone else experienced this and have a fix?

[JTK44]

Originally Posted by jacobtc

Hi guys/gals!

My F20 recently developed a rattle from the steering wheel airbag area.
The rattle is Audible when driving normally, especially on uneven road.

I saw some posts with people having the trim around the airbag rattle, but I removed the airbag and checked if the rattle was gone, and it was. I am not about to shake my airbag to see if anything inside is rattling.

I found that if I gently ory up on the airbag, the rattle disappears, I recorded a video shiwunf the issue, and how I temporarily fix it by jamming some paper in the gap under the airbag.

Has anyone else experienced this and have a fix?

Thanks and yes I have a rattle/bang in the steering column when going over bumps. Sometimes when auto start kicks in as well.

I will try your method.

BTW, I posted several weeks ago: https://g60.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2222329

[jacobtc]

Originally Posted by JTK44

Thanks and yes I have a rattle/bang in the steering column when going over bumps. Sometimes when auto start kicks in as well.

I will try your method.

BTW, I posted several weeks ago: https://g60.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2222329

The new 540i have a completely different steering wheel/airbag design, right?

[davidrw]

It looks like the airbag module is moving slightly against the trim or the spring clips which can create that dull rattle. A common fix is to pull it then add a thin strip of felt tape on the contact edge and then re seat the clips so everything sits tight again. When you press on the airbag cover at the top corners does the sound change or stop?

[jacobtc]

Originally Posted by davidrw

It looks like the airbag module is moving slightly against the trim or the spring clips which can create that dull rattle. A common fix is to pull it then add a thin strip of felt tape on the contact edge and then re seat the clips so everything sits tight again. When you press on the airbag cover at the top corners does the sound change or stop?

Yes, I believe the sound stops if I push the airbag slightly on the top.

I am not sure where I should place the felt tape? Do you mean these extrusions on the airbag?

[freakystyly]

Is it something that just developed over time or did you replace the airbag?

Pic attached for steering wheel with airbag removed.

If I remember correctly, those pointy bits on the airbag you circled are there to line up with the holes in the picture between the black spring clips.

If you're getting in there and messing around, make sure to unplug the battery because of the airbag, and also the horn is tied to that metal plate. For what you're trying to do, a small flat head screwdriver or similar tool should be all you need to pop out the airbag from behind the wheel.

[jacobtc]

Originally Posted by freakystyly

Is it something that just developed over time or did you replace the airbag?

Pic attached for steering wheel with airbag removed.

If I remember correctly, those pointy bits on the airbag you circled are there to line up with the holes in the picture between the black spring clips.

If you're getting in there and messing around, make sure to unplug the battery because of the airbag, and also the horn is tied to that metal plate. For what you're trying to do, a small flat head screwdriver or similar tool should be all you need to pop out the airbag from behind the wheel.

Replaced the wheel a while ago, but the trim and airbag are the old ones, so shouldn't be the reason.

I always disconnect the battery before doing anything with the airbag, so I don't have a problem removing it again. I just need to know where the felt tape goes

[freakystyly]

I ran into a similar issue with my E90. If I remember correctly, I bent the steel backer bracket toward the driver seat until it was snug. I didn't add felt or any backer material.

It's almost like the wheel and airbag are paired together by batch and some airbags have slightly different dimensions.

Hope your project goes well, whichever method you choose!