Steering wheel vibration noise

[SlimM5]

Whenever I have the steering wheel lane departure activated, and the steering wheel vibrates, there's always a noticeable rattle, like something is loose or not tight enough in the column. It's loud enough that the back seat passenger are asking, "What is that noise?."

Has anyone else had this issue or know where the vibration module is located within the steering column?
I would just like to take a closer inspection to see if maybe I need to tighten or reattach whatever it is that's making this noise

[M5Rick]

A few have had that including TLK from Bay area SF. A PITA to rectify.

[m5rosco]

It's a little motor with an offset weight in the actual steering wheel. Bottom spoke I think. Maybe it's loose.

[Hoa]

I have similar issue. It's not the motor. If you hold the turn signal stalk, the rattle noise will go away. I have a feeling it's the reel

[Boosted M5]

It's the motor for the lane departure warning system. It's what makes the steering vibrate to warn you that you're veering off. Most likely something broken. I believe there's a thread of someone who took the time to show what it looks like inside and what breaks.

[SlimM5]

Thanks for the replies everyone.
Yes, the rattle that goes along with the vibration is kind of annoying. I would hate to have to deactivate the lane departure feature because of this. I do find this feature pretty useful, though.
I'll have to find that thread ASAP.

[SlimM5]

Originally Posted by Hoa

I have similar issue. It's not the motor. If you hold the turn signal stalk, the rattle noise will go away. I have a feeling it's the reel

More thoughts on this. What reel exactly?

[Hoa]

Originally Posted by SlimM5

More thoughts on this. What reel exactly?

I meant the clock spring

I might have a different issue than others. I know exactly where the motor is and the noise is not from there. The motor is on the left center spoke. I even placed my ear on it while it vibrate and the rattle is not from it. It's more towards the dash. If I hold the turn signal stalk, the rattle noise goes away. I've tried this many times and it goes away so I don't think my issue is the motor

[M5_Raz]

Don't know what the issue is, but here is where the vibration motor goes. Circle on carbon wheels has the motor, while the top left circle is the stock wheel without the motor.

Hope this helps!

[SlimM5]

Originally Posted by M5_Raz

Don't know what the issue is, but here is where the vibration motor goes. Circle on carbon wheels has the motor, while the top left circle is the stock wheel without the motor.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the visual. This location sounds (or feels) exactly where the noise is coming from. Is this a simple part swap or can I just tighten the part?
Asking before dismantling anything.

I have another "fix-it" project pending . . . my left bumper camera is showing malfunction and won't turn on. Have to decide if I should order either a new camera or just the wire to solve that problem.

[Hoa]

Originally Posted by SlimM5

Thanks for the visual. This location sounds (or feels) exactly where the noise is coming from. Is this a simple part swap or can I just tighten the part?
Asking before dismantling anything.

It's very simple. It is held in place by a metal clamp. Pop it off and the motor will come loose. There is a wire that you will need to disconnect. It comes off easily as well.

[SlimM5]

Originally Posted by Hoa

It's very simple. It is held in place by a metal clamp. Pop it off and the motor will come loose. There is a wire that you will need to disconnect. It comes off easily as well.

Doesn't sound too bad. May have to add this as a weekend project.

[Hoa]

I finally had time to take apart my steering wheel and found the rattle. It was the connector for left paddle shifter. I gave it a dab of hot glue so it wouldn't come loose so easily. So far no loud rattle.

[FrozenSolid]

I have this too, but its intermittent enough to ignore for now

[SlimM5]

Originally Posted by Hoa

I finally had time to take apart my steering wheel and found the rattle. It was the connector for left paddle shifter. I gave it a dab of hot glue so it wouldn't come loose so easily. So far no loud rattle.

Thanks for the visual!
Still haven't found the time to tackle this project. I've been contemplating having the dealer do it under warranty since I also need to take the car in for the left bumper camera malfunction. But it looks easy enough that if I want it done right, then may as well do it myself.