E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)

grumpybri · Post by **grumpybri** » Sat Jun 02, 2018 6:40 pm

Moved the ring clockwise 6mm.

Dale_B · Post by **Dale_B** » Fri Jun 08, 2018 12:01 pm

Joycey wrote: ↑Wed Oct 04, 2017 8:39 am I started noticing a feeling like there was play in the steering above 50mph this could easily feel like a loose ball joint.

I have been experiencing symptoms same as Joycey. So glad came across this thread! So many thanks for writing a detailed thread

The ‘vague’ steering feeling above 50-ish mph has been driving me mad (Checked all suspension joints and are fine).. This very simple quick adjustment has certainly made a big difference!

The car feels more connected at higher speeds. I only tightened the ‘ring’ around 3-4mm and that was enough.

Pleased to see that this adjustment is solving ‘sticky steering’ issues by loosening the ring slightly

Joycey · Post by **Joycey** » Fri Jun 08, 2018 10:19 pm

Dale_B wrote: ↑Fri Jun 08, 2018 12:01 pm
Joycey wrote: ↑Wed Oct 04, 2017 8:39 am I started noticing a feeling like there was play in the steering above 50mph this could easily feel like a loose ball joint.
I have been experiencing symptoms same as Joycey. So glad came across this thread! So many thanks for writing a detailed thread
The ‘vague’ steering feeling above 50-ish mph has been driving me mad (Checked all suspension joints and are fine).. This very simple quick adjustment has certainly made a big difference!

The car feels more connected at higher speeds. I only tightened the ‘ring’ around 3-4mm and that was enough.

Pleased to see that this adjustment is solving ‘sticky steering’ issues by loosening the ring slightly

Your welcome, such a simple fix that plagues these cars.

wonkydonkey · Post by **wonkydonkey** » Fri Jun 08, 2018 10:25 pm

I've been reading every word written about the grease approach again today. Following on from my brief moment of ill-placed triumph after adjusting the eccentric ring (a hot day brought the stickiness right back) I'm going to be drilling and greasing my column as soon as my Wurth HHS 2000 spray grease arrives in the post.

The many many success stories (relating to both the adjustment and the greasing) lead me to believe that since the adjustment hasn't cured mine, the grease probably will. I'll report back when I've done it and had a hot day to test it in.

For the record, if anything, my steering has a touch of free play in it now after my adjustments in the eccentric ring, so hopefully I can take up that slack again once the grease is in.

Edit: After further investigation I have found that my original adjustments were in the wrong direction after reading conflicting instructions. I have yet to test drive the car but please note: ACW adjustment = tighter, CW adjustment = looser (RHD car).

b19rak · Post by **b19rak** » Sat Jun 09, 2018 1:59 pm

I also checked my tyre pressures, my fronts were way over inflated (first time i've checked since buying the car). I'm guessing this didn't help the spoon in porridge effect at high speed.

Arron1970 · Post by **Arron1970** » Mon Jun 11, 2018 10:05 pm

Hi Guys

Just picked up a 2004 2.5i E85.

Not too sure if I have this problem but do sense something isn’t quite right in my steering.

Actually notice it more at lower speeds but when cornering quite hard (ie roundabouts) feels more obvious on a right turn, not sure I’ve felt it on left turns.

I basically get a bit of play/jump feeling back through the wheel, like the steering goes super light and then tight again.

Is this basically the problems you guys refer to as sticky steering? Sounds like a higher speed issue, sometimes with warning lights that most people describe?

Could my issue potentially be resolved by a ring adjustment or the greased nipple adjustment?

Have even read some things saying this is just th nature of the beast?

Any thoughts? Will have it up on the ramps at weekend for a look

Arron

Jakg · Post by **Jakg** » Thu Aug 09, 2018 11:34 pm

What symptoms does this typically resolve?

I have a kind of vague / floaty steering with tramlining and wondered if this might help?

ph001 · Post by **ph001** » Fri Aug 10, 2018 7:43 pm

That sounds more like an alignment issue.

firebobby · Post by **firebobby** » Fri Aug 10, 2018 7:47 pm

Jakg wrote: ↑Thu Aug 09, 2018 11:34 pm What symptoms does this typically resolve?

I have a kind of vague / floaty steering with tramlining and wondered if this might help?

Sounds like my steering before I did the ring. I also had to have my motor refurbed because it died

thecookie125 · Post by **thecookie125** » Sat Aug 11, 2018 7:38 am

I’ve found my SI wanders around on its own, almost like the wheel is making it’s own inputs since I’ve done lollypop bushings, at around 70mph.

Had an alignment and that’s made things a little bit better but the problem is still there, would it be worth giving this a go?

harryja · Post by **harryja** » Sat Aug 18, 2018 5:21 pm

Screwdriver + 8mm ratchet spanner + marker pen and my Z4 is like new again. Thanks so much for this thread

Joycey · Post by **Joycey** » Tue Aug 21, 2018 1:36 pm

wonkydonkey wrote: ↑Fri Jun 08, 2018 10:25 pm I've been reading every word written about the grease approach again today. Following on from my brief moment of ill-placed triumph after adjusting the eccentric ring (a hot day brought the stickiness right back) I'm going to be drilling and greasing my column as soon as my Wurth HHS 2000 spray grease arrives in the post.

The many many success stories (relating to both the adjustment and the greasing) lead me to believe that since the adjustment hasn't cured mine, the grease probably will. I'll report back when I've done it and had a hot day to test it in.

For the record, if anything, my steering has a touch of free play in it now after my adjustments in the eccentric ring, so hopefully I can take up that slack again once the grease is in.

Edit: After further investigation I have found that my original adjustments were in the wrong direction after reading conflicting instructions. I have yet to test drive the car but please note: ACW adjustment = tighter, CW adjustment = looser (RHD car).

Added your terminology to the original post, It is a little difficult to get your head round.

Lee

Joycey · Post by **Joycey** » Tue Aug 21, 2018 1:37 pm

thecookie125 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 11, 2018 7:38 am I’ve found my SI wanders around on its own, almost like the wheel is making it’s own inputs since I’ve done lollypop bushings, at around 70mph.

Had an alignment and that’s made things a little bit better but the problem is still there, would it be worth giving this a go?

Yes 100%, adjust the ring Anticlockwise aka tighter.

ErrErrminator · Post by **ErrErrminator** » Tue Aug 21, 2018 1:48 pm

thecookie125 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 11, 2018 7:38 am I’ve found my SI wanders around on its own, almost like the wheel is making it’s own inputs since I’ve done lollypop bushings, at around 70mph.

My 2003 2.5 does this too, at about the same speed. It's quite subtle, but definitely there. A sort of floaty, slight wandering sensation. Looks like I'll be getting down in the drivers footwell to follow the good advice on here.

firebobby · Post by **firebobby** » Sat Aug 25, 2018 10:56 am

Just an update. Since I fitted my reconditioned steering motor and adjusting the ring at the same time, I can now drive with one hand on the wheel. I would never have attempted this before because it felt like the car wanted to kill you. I used to be constantly fighting with the steering and even taking one hand off the wheel to adjust the radio, took some planning.
This adjustment has made a massive difference to my car and my enjoyment of driving it and is well worth doing.

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