E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)

steve_newlands · Post by **steve_newlands** » Sun Apr 14, 2019 11:29 pm

Thanks - I'll adjust the ring and keep you posted!

Jsomerville · Post by **Jsomerville** » Mon Jul 01, 2019 9:20 am

wonkydonkey wrote: ↑Tue May 08, 2018 8:14 pm I'm based in Somerset and would be happy to help anyone nearby who isn't sure how to tackle this issue.

Hey mate, I have had my Z4 for about a month and it seems like I have the exact same issue.
Any chance you could lend a hand? I am based in Somerset also!!

James72 · Post by **James72** » Mon Jul 01, 2019 9:23 pm

Just adjusted my e86 tonight, was getting a slight steering wheel pulse at 60-70 varied depending on road surface, noticed it first on the drive home after picking it up a few weeks back. Put it down to the coil overs and 19” wheels.

Anyway after removing the coil overs, still happening, so initially tightened 10mm and no wobble but sticky steering, so backed up 5mm and it’s bob on.

Big thanks to all who post these free fixes, although think I need physio after spend 20 minutes upside down under the steering wheel.

I used 8mm ratchet spanner and a big ring spanner on the end for leverage

wonkydonkey · Post by **wonkydonkey** » Mon Jul 01, 2019 9:52 pm

Jsomerville wrote: ↑Mon Jul 01, 2019 9:20 am
wonkydonkey wrote: ↑Tue May 08, 2018 8:14 pm I'm based in Somerset and would be happy to help anyone nearby who isn't sure how to tackle this issue.
Hey mate, I have had my Z4 for about a month and it seems like I have the exact same issue.
Any chance you could lend a hand? I am based in Somerset also!!

Absolutely. Will drop you a PM.

wonkydonkey · Post by **wonkydonkey** » Mon Jul 01, 2019 9:57 pm

steve_newlands wrote: ↑Sun Apr 14, 2019 11:29 pm Thanks - I'll adjust the ring and keep you posted!

How did you get on, Steve?

Rjblais · Post by **Rjblais** » Fri Jul 05, 2019 3:14 am

ionofchios wrote: ↑Wed Feb 07, 2018 6:01 pm Just had a go at this, but can’t get enough leverage on the bolts with my hand up inside the dash. Mine’s and e86 and it has allen bolts, not torx. I’ve got an allen bit, then universal joint, short extension, then T piece (all 1/4 inch), but I can’t get enough leverage on it. There’s not enough room to get anything longer up in there either. I suppose I’ll have to take the whole steering assembly out if I can’t find a way.

Any advice?

It took a while, but I just did it on my 2005 Z4 CDN model. After removing the lower steering wheel cover and the footwell cover..
Front: 6mm 1/4 inch bit in a 1/4 inch socket, attached to a swivel, then a 6 inch extension and then a 3 inch extension, then the ratchet drive. This was accessed above the knee airbag. Patience to get the hex bit in. then applying force to keep it in, and snap it off.
Back: 6mm 1/4 inch bit in a 1/4 inch socket, attached to a swivel, then a 3 inch extension, then the ratchet drive. This one is easier.

What fooled me was the eccentric ring is a separate unit sandwiched in between. Kept trying to turn the servo unit. duh. I set it at 10mm as per suggestions from other members. Will test tomorrow in the 32*C heat wave in Ottawa.

Best of luck to all you DIY North American owners.

ionofchios · Post by **ionofchios** » Fri Jul 05, 2019 10:08 am

i managed to get a short-ended Allen key on the nearest one, and the back one a managed to get with the same key but long-ways and at an angle (it has one of those ball-ends, so you don’t have to get it in dead straight), and was able to get some pliers in there to grip the short end and get leverage. I then replaced the back one with a bolt which I was able to get to with a normal spanner, with a bit ground off of one side to get some rotation room.

Ala5dair · Post by **Ala5dair** » Tue Jul 09, 2019 9:37 pm

Sorry mis-post. See below

Ala5dair · Post by **Ala5dair** » Tue Jul 09, 2019 9:44 pm

wonkydonkey wrote: ↑Mon Apr 08, 2019 1:44 am Ala5dair let us know how you get on. Also, from a diagnostic standpoint, don't forget that this problem is affected by temperature. Running the air con on cold blowing hard at your feet for 5-10 mins or so can reduce the effect of sticky steering. Conversely, blowing hot for 5-10 mins can make it worse. Perhaps try these to see if they affect the stiction you experience. If so, the adjustment should be the solution.

Sorry it’s taken so long to post a reply, Wonkydonky, but my zed’s been off the road for some time, so I’ve not been posting. Before I got a chance to look at the adjustment, I had a critical failure of the eps, which resulted in a total rebuild and refurbishment. After the refurb, my steering is as tight as a duck’s bum, but unfortunately, I’m faced with a four-figure bill which, after laying out for new tyres and a service is less than welcome.... There may well be a hard top for sale soon....

wonkydonkey · Post by **wonkydonkey** » Wed Jul 10, 2019 9:23 pm

Ala5dair ouch, sorry to hear that

The last member's car I adjusted the column on needed a huge adjustment. His column too had been removed, refurbished and then refitted. It was about as tight as I've felt a sticky steering column. It's spot on now though, so you're just a quick fiddle away from a happy day!

Vivian12 · Post by **Vivian12** » Thu Jul 11, 2019 7:11 pm

Just a note to say how lucky I was to resolve a sticky steering issue.
I went to a members house who had offered to fix the problem- which he did.
It just shows how vital it is, to have access to this forum.viv thomas
Grateful thanks to wonky donkey

Ala5dair · Post by **Ala5dair** » Thu Jul 11, 2019 9:41 pm

wonkydonkey wrote: ↑Wed Jul 10, 2019 9:23 pm Ala5dair ouch, sorry to hear that The last member's car I adjusted the column on needed a huge adjustment. His column too had been removed, refurbished and then refitted. It was about as tight as I've felt a sticky steering column. It's spot on now though, so you're just a quick fiddle away from a happy day!

Sorry, but I obviously wasn’t clear in my previous posting. By “tight” I meant “perfect”. The steering is direct, with no tramlining, and seems unaffected by temperature and time. So now, with sorted steering and new Pirelli PZero (non-RFT’s) my car is a delight to drive....

wonkydonkey · Post by **wonkydonkey** » Fri Jul 12, 2019 6:11 am

Vivian12 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 11, 2019 7:11 pm Just a note to say how lucky I was to resolve a sticky steering issue.
I went to a members house who had offered to fix the problem- which he did.
It just shows how vital it is, to have access to this forum.viv thomas
Grateful thanks to wonky donkey

The internet certainly has its uses! You're entirely welcome. I'm glad you can enjoy the car again now

wonkydonkey · Post by **wonkydonkey** » Fri Jul 12, 2019 6:11 am

Ala5dair wrote: ↑Thu Jul 11, 2019 9:41 pm
wonkydonkey wrote: ↑Wed Jul 10, 2019 9:23 pm Ala5dair ouch, sorry to hear that The last member's car I adjusted the column on needed a huge adjustment. His column too had been removed, refurbished and then refitted. It was about as tight as I've felt a sticky steering column. It's spot on now though, so you're just a quick fiddle away from a happy day!
Sorry, but I obviously wasn’t clear in my previous posting. By “tight” I meant “perfect”. The steering is direct, with no tramlining, and seems unaffected by temperature and time. So now, with sorted steering and new Pirelli PZero (non-RFT’s) my car is a delight to drive....

I seeeee. Happy days!

Karlosfandango · Post by **Karlosfandango** » Fri Jul 12, 2019 8:30 pm

wonkydonkey wrote: ↑Fri Jul 12, 2019 6:11 am The internet certainly has its uses! You're entirely welcome. I'm glad you can enjoy the car again now

Mr Donkey I was wondering if I too could make use of your fix? I am up near Oxford but happy to travel down if you think you can help! Thanks

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