Steering Z4

[firefoxchris]

I have the exact same problem in my Z4. @enuff_zed I dont really have the confidence to be messing with mine, what should I tell a garage if I send it in? Just "steering wheel column ring adjustment"?

I told them to check the steering previously and they said it was "fine", but I doubt that they actually gave it any proper testing - as many say, its at higher speeds generally that its quite twitchy / tramlining.

Thanks as always!

[enuff_zed]

I have the exact same problem in my Z4. @enuff_zed I dont really have the confidence to be messing with mine, what should I tell a garage if I send it in? Just "steering wheel column ring adjustment"?

I told them to check the steering previously and they said it was "fine", but I doubt that they actually gave it any proper testing - as many say, its at higher speeds generally that its quite twitchy / tramlining.

Thanks as always!

First find a garage that understands the system. Don't tell them what you think needs doing, see if they have enough knowledge to bring it up.
Could ask them if they have worked on BMW EPS before.
Then basically show them the text I wrote a few posts back on this thread.
I have a complete column out of a car in my garage, so I could send a few photos to make it obvious.

Of course the other thing is to see if any other members are near you who could do it.
How far are you from bigwinn in Lincoln?

[mike6767]

Great please add photos

[legin]

I will just add to reconfirm what others have said , my steering had the so called sticky problem as the ambient temperature went up especially- plastic expands a lot so a poor choice. Technically it hangs up then suddenly releases and this gives the high speed tram lining effect but actually it's swerving. I have backed it off and now only need one hand on the wheel totally fine and steering feel is much better also. Slight tram lining that remained at low speed was down to one failed lollipop hydraulic mount but much less noticeable than the steering column.

[enuff_zed]

I will just add to reconfirm what others have said , my steering had the so called sticky problem as the ambient temperature went up especially- plastic expands a lot so a poor choice. Technically it hangs up then suddenly releases and this gives the high speed tram lining effect but actually it's swerving. I have backed it off and now only need one hand on the wheel totally fine and steering feel is much better also. Slight tram lining that remained at low speed was down to one failed lollipop hydraulic mount but much less noticeable than the steering column.

Glad you got it fixed but which bits do you mean by ‘plastic’?

[legin]

I will just add to reconfirm what others have said , my steering had the so called sticky problem as the ambient temperature went up especially- plastic expands a lot so a poor choice. Technically it hangs up then suddenly releases and this gives the high speed tram lining effect but actually it's swerving. I have backed it off and now only need one hand on the wheel totally fine and steering feel is much better also. Slight tram lining that remained at low speed was down to one failed lollipop hydraulic mount but much less noticeable than the steering column.

Glad you got it fixed but which bits do you mean by ‘plastic’?

The wheel in the worm and wheel. It's the reason the stiction varies with temperature so the clearance can only ever be a compromise. Used to have this problem in industrial applications in my past. Redesign to phosphor bronze would help a lot. I have the same problem in epas conversion I built on my classic Alfa - pita.