Car is making noises when it's idle and more when i turn the wheel

[MPower600]

2002 bmw 330ci convert sport package e46:
having problems with the car and i dont have confidence in driving it. when i start the car it makes a strange noise. when i cut the wheel in place even more it makes this noise like something is hitting the fan...i'm worried and i dont want this to be a HUGEEE problem to fix at the dealership. no check engine lights are on or anything like that...any suggestions?

[HikinTech]

Why don't you try having somebody else turn your steering wheel while you visually check under the hood for the cause of the noise. You may also have to check under the vehicle. If you have a sethoscope you might be able to pinpoint your problem.

[MPower600]

i actually made it to autozone (.5mile) away...i refilled my power steering fluid and my coolant fluid. for some odd reason it was fine after that...then i realized that smoke was coming out of the front left of the car...i went back to autozone and they said i most likely have a leak in something...does anybody know if this is an easy thing to replace or atleast seal up??? thanks for the replies

[redsox1918]

Im having the same problem with my 1999 330. It shrieks when I turn the wheel. I checked the power steering fluid and its near dry. My bad! D'oh!. Anyway, my owners manual doesn't say what type of ATF to use for the power steering. Do you know? I'd like to get it filled, and then check it for leaks. Thanks.

[RiCR-wana-b]

Originally Posted by MPower600

i actually made it to autozone (.5mile) away...i refilled my power steering fluid and my coolant fluid. for some odd reason it was fine after that...then i realized that smoke was coming out of the front left of the car...i went back to autozone and they said i most likely have a leak in something...does anybody know if this is an easy thing to replace or atleast seal up??? thanks for the replies

well there are several crucial components on that side of the motor. as some one said before, start the car open the hood and go look at where you think the leak is coming from, if its a radiator hose its simple enough to fix just a couple bucks but if its something bigger you'll be able to tell right away(usually)

[mcalvo]

Hidraulic oil refill?

[qtspapa]

I had the same prob; changed the o ring on the fill cap, that didn't do it. the dealer wanted over $700 to replace the p. steering hoses. A frend said change the cheap clamps on the return (low press.) hoses. It worked. Less than $3.