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Sticky steering problem. Time to sort it! Help and advice.

Being 56 degrees north I have this issue maybe 3 or 4 times a year it is unsettling , however when one knows it a ' feature' of the early zeds one doesn't panic the car will be fine he next day . :fuelfire:
 
9designs said:
Nope...different issue.....

I finished the nipple fix today, didn't have any grease, so it's only had a squirt of WD40 for now and on the bush through the bulkhead... Test drove and all ok.... No sticking.... Grease for a longer fix arrives in a couple of days.
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Did you get past the hard part of when drilling ??? I seem to be in the same place you was on your last but one post ! I've drilled about 17mil in but it's gone really hrd to drill now ? From what I've been reading I need to drill about 38 Mil to get to the steering shaft so tomorrow I'm going to buy some decent drill bits and carry on, also would I be right in thinking once I'm through enough if I turn the steering wheel I should see the shaft moving through the hole ?

Steve
 
No the depth your at seems to be what people say is OK and you have reached the shaft when it goes hard to drill...so I stopped..
I'd like to see an assembly stripped down so I can see what's need...
That said I've grease it and all still ok.... Whether it was the bulk head bush or the hole I drilled I don't know... Either way seems sorted thankfully.
 
I'm not sure I've gone in enough ? Surely if I was to turn the wheel the shaft will move along with the small drill mark on the shaft ???
 
I expected the same, but that's not what I found...... by the fact it was near impossible to drill more, I had good bits, it must be on either a hardened shaft or hearing housing of some sort. I wouldn't fancy making a hole in either !! ... All the tips from people who have done it say stop when it gets hard to drill..... you're on your own if you keep going !!! :o
Without seeing a part stripped down or decent drawing I am little sceptical, but it worked so far.
 
:? To be honest I know one of the drill bits I was using is really good and will normally go through anything so I think your right I should stop as the drill wasn't really going any further, plus was half asleep when I started getting involved with it yesterday evening so I will take a fresh look at it later today :thumbsup:
 
Just to further elaborate on the issue, does anyone else experience the steering vibrate / twitch from left to right - more prominent on heavy braking, but intermittent?
 
I would start with checking the front brakes,you might have a sticking caliper.
When it next happens ,pull over and put your hand on the wheels,if one is hotter than the others this will indicate a sticking caliper.
 
maxman said:
I would start with checking the front brakes,you might have a sticking caliper.
When it next happens ,pull over and put your hand on the wheels,if one is hotter than the others this will indicate a sticking caliper.
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Thanks I'll try. It's the intermittent element that's throwing me. Particularly when I've read that the sticky steering is prominent when the weather is warm, which is the same circumstance which mine plays up.

I'll let you know how I get on, thanks for the reply.
 
rpc_25 said:
Just to further elaborate on the issue, does anyone else experience the steering vibrate / twitch from left to right - more prominent on heavy braking, but intermittent?
Click to expand...

This definitely sounds more like a tradition suspension/steering/braking issue than anything to do with the electric steering rack.
depending how competent you can either check these things yourself or go to a garage and stick it on a ramp. Its certainly easier on a ramp.

From what you describe I wouldn't be surprised to see it turn out to be the rear bushes on the front arms
 
Some images that may help below...

Done this fix but don't use WD40, guys have listed specific grease due to the tight tolerances of the 'worm' gear, I used a silicone based grease.

Mixed results, it's not as bad and is 100% temp related in my case, power steering went this weekend momentary blip and switching ignition fixes it until the next time. The replacement column is redesigned and void of the issue, others replaced the angle sensor after stripping, others did the torque sensor control box (passenger seat?) and someone should be shot for the small recall forced upon BMW before, due to few complaints, was closed....you should check the VIN's listed though for yours. Insufficient battery output can cause a phase voltage fault (stored) but stress/heat on the motor/worm gear can also ping the code. If you want rid completely, replace the column.

Think if you blow cold air through the front/side vents for a few secs there's no issue.

Hope it helps and it's all detailed here.... http://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1896932-DIY-Sticky-Clunky-Steering-Fix sorry for breaking rules if forbidden!







 
Mechanic has checked the sensors, greased the UJs and done the grease nipple modification on mine.
Still no good.
Any other ideas before I trade in?

Thanks

Nick
 
Yes, use the only real solution, re-adjust the adjusting ring between column and eps motor.

read from here
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=81866&p=1209456&hilit=ring#p1209456

The grease nipple was I think thought of by an american. Readjusting the ring by germans.
Time to choose sides which nations mechanical skills you trust more :rofl:
 
I rotated the eccentric ring back about 5mm in early June but didn't really get chance to test it as I then went on holiday. On return I went up to The Lakes for the National Meet and found it seemed to be better but still not 100%. On return from the lakes I backed it off a further 5mm and it seems to have cured it - especially as today was probably the hottest day of the year so far. So certainly looks promising :thumbsup:
 
Update: 4 months after the 2nd adjustment of the eccentric ring as I mentioned above it looks like the sticky steering is finally cured as I have had no issues at all through the summer. All it cost me was a set of budget Torx spanners as mine was fastened with male Torx bolts not Allen as mentioned in the German web site instructions. :driving:
 
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