creaking from streering

[Sambo1]

Hi All,
I have a right hand drive 96 525i, when you turn the steering wheel to the right hand side it makes a creaking noise, it gets a little louder when the car is warm, I have checked all the rubber bushes and all seem ok, it sounds like it may be an internal noise from the steering rack.
Has anyone had a similar problem?
I also have an oil leak from where the gearbox and engine meet nothuge but one drip overnight which does add up. Is this common/major to repair?

Thanks in advance for your feedback

[4-Door Flunky]

Hi, Sambo.
If you have an oil leak from where the transmission meets the engine block, you have a serious problem.
It's called a rear main seal, and it keeps the oil from leaking around the back side of the crankshaft.
If that is leaking, even one drop, it means that oil has a chance to get onto your clutch. Once that happens, you'll need a new clutch because it will slip... a lot!
In order to fix it, you'll have to do all the work necessary for a clutch job. And you might as well put a new clutch in it at that time.
If it's not slipping right now, keep driving it until it does.
Flunky
PS-Maybe your oil is leaking out of some other place and just dripping off of the transmission. Wipe the area clean and then check it again soon, just to be sure.
PPS-I have no clue about your creaking steering. Good luck.
PPPS-Is your car an automatic or a standard?

[mechy1barry]

most likely your creaking problem is a ball joint.have a friend stand at the front of the car whilst you turn the steering and try to locate the noise.the oil leak is very common and could be the rear crank seal or cam box gasket.

[Sambo1]

Thanks for your replies, I have an automatic.

[4-Door Flunky]

Well, you don't have to worry about the clutch!!
Flunky

[mechy1barry]

the same still applies,regards mechy.