My wife told me she heard a clicking when sheturned the steering wheel. I drove it heard it coming from the steering wheel turned all the way left then all the way right that is when it died and now won't start. 1998 bmw 540i

the power steering belt has failed
possible incorrect installation/ adjustment
unlikely for new belts to fail other than for the installation was not correct

If the noise is heard just at the steering wheel when turned left or right, then remove the steering wheel and apply a little multipurpose grease or white petroleum jelly on a brass band under the steering wheel.
If the noise is heard coming from under the engine bay, check the entire suspension system for worn out ball joints, tie rod ends, rack ends, rubber bushes and shock absorbers.

Okay, I just had this same problem with my 2009 Kia Rio and I did this. So not to down everyone's post on here -- everyone is correct -- by turning the steering wheel back and forth and turning the ignition key at the same time is a correct method. However, after talking to a Kia Serviceman, he told me you have to do it hard -- meaning turning it violently back and forth hard (madman style). In order to do this operation, I had my wife sit in the driver side and turn the key while I was on her left side grabbing the steering wheel and violent moving it back and forth like a madman, and after about 2mins of doing it the key turned over -- problem fixed. Do not worry about breaking anything; turning the steering wheel violently hard is a must -- this was told to me by a Kia service Rep. Remember -- have someone assist you; either turning the key or violently turning the steering wheel back and forth. Hope this works for you!!!!!

Sounds like the Power Steering drive belt broke and the belt is slapping on the block of the engine.

Sound like you may need a new power steering pump or rack and pinion. Have you noticed any leaks from the vehicle? If you've had the vehicle for 21yrs, then I would have to go with the power steering pump is begining to fail. Hope this helps.

I had this same problem and the dealer could not reproduce the noise when I would take it in to get looked at. (during the day when the temperature was warm) So I decided to leave it over night and they test drove it in the morning when the temperature was cold and they heard the noise. It ended up bing the steering rack.

Front end steering damage ( i.e pot hole, curb impact, wife drove it last) or worn out steering parts with possible sticking brake caliper. Have it looked at pronto that is not a get to it later issue.

sounds more like the spider gears in the front end !!!!!!!!

Have you determined where the noise is coming from? I have heard noises like you describe when a Constant Velocity joint has gone bad in a front wheel drive car. You need to determine which side it's coming from left or right and if it is coming from a worn CV joint your best fix is to have the axle replaced and have the other one checked to be sure it's not going to fail shortly after you replace the one that is bad.

it might be a jammed ball joint or tie rod you have to disconnect tie rod to see whats jam
thanks pierre