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E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
- M@_
- Member
- Posts: 62
- Joined: Thu Sep 15, 2022 5:13 pm
- Location: Springfield MO
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Don’t overthink it. Adjust the ring first then talk about how you need a new column if that doesn’t work.
2003 3.0i
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- Lifer
- Posts: 9537
- Joined: Sat Jun 13, 2015 9:09 am
- Location: South west Buckinghamshire
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
No, just horrible steering.poortomsacold wrote: ↑Sat Mar 11, 2023 10:36 amMorning. Aside from the sticky steering itself where the steering wheel sorts of locks into position, did you have any other sorts of steering issues - loose handling at speed, etc?firebobby wrote: ↑Sat Mar 11, 2023 7:20 amHe will want to go down the expensive route, it's not his money!ryushe wrote: ↑Tue Mar 07, 2023 12:50 pm You're absolutely right of course. Already tried getting to the bolts last weekend, but while I seem to be able to reach one (it turned), I just can't get to the other (not enough space for hands + tools). Took out the lower air duct and everything, still no space (LHD car). By the way, it's two T40 torx bolts in my case, would probably be a lot easier if I could grab the bolts directly instead of having to use a socket wrench :/
Initial call to this gentleman was to get the ring adjusted, but his argument is that sticky steering is something different from this specific issue (literally 'stuck' steering wheel during turns vs. tiny adjustments to the steering wheel while driving straight between certain speeds). He claims it's due to issues with the ESP motor incorrectly reacting to sensors readings, which would require a 'new' steering column.
I just can't work out exactly how what sounds like an electronics issue can be related to a full mechanical replacement...
I had sticky steering, it was like the car was suicidal and wanted to crash
I adjusted the ring some years ago and it was an instant fix, the car became a pleasure to drive.
My ECU packed up some years ago too, that's when I adjusted the ring, while fitting the motor back in
It felt and still does feel like a different can.
BMW Z4 30i 2003 auto 107's Whippy Toledo Blue
Beige M sport seats, wood dash
Toyota MR2 NA 1995
Triumph GT6 1972 (project)
Land Rover Discovery 1994 TDI (Tow car)
Mini 1000 1981
Beige M sport seats, wood dash
Toyota MR2 NA 1995
Triumph GT6 1972 (project)
Land Rover Discovery 1994 TDI (Tow car)
Mini 1000 1981
- poortomsacold
- Member
- Posts: 159
- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2022 9:53 am
- Location: Gloucester
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Finally got round to removing the stripped bolt and replacing it with the one enuff-zen kindly sent me, have tightened the steering a little and initial test seems positive. Will report back once I’ve had a longer drive. Glad to have been able to adjust it though.
2003 3.0i Sterling Grey
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
- Posts: 14674
- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Think I quite like being enuff ZEN
- poortomsacold
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- Joined: Mon Nov 28, 2022 9:53 am
- Location: Gloucester
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Haha bloody predictive text at it again! You were snuff_zee when I first typed it!
2003 3.0i Sterling Grey
- MikeyH
- Lifer
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- Location: Devon
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
poortomsacold wrote: ↑Sun Mar 19, 2023 1:56 pmHaha bloody predictive text at it again! You were snuff_zee when I first typed it!
Now, Sterling grey Z4 2.2 with cup holders, stubby aerial and sport seats. Roadsters ‘cause they’re great with the roof down.
Ford Anglia, Red Sprite, a few MG midgets, MGB Roadster and yellow Ford Capri, all gone many years now.
Ford Anglia, Red Sprite, a few MG midgets, MGB Roadster and yellow Ford Capri, all gone many years now.
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- Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2022 2:37 pm
- Location: Warwickshire
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Huge thanks Joycey. Did the adjustment today, counterclockwise to tighten my steering as it felt light/floaty especially at speed and it feels so much better now. Actually needs more force to get off centre which is exactly what I wanted.
I used this which worked a treat - Silverline 633787 Fixed Head... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NBPIP8? ... b_ap_share
Just make sure that you have the steering column fully extended and down, otherwise you may spend an hour trying to get the spanner out of the tight space..thanks again enuff_zed!
I am based in West Midlands if anyone wants help with the adjustment.
Cheers!
I used this which worked a treat - Silverline 633787 Fixed Head... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NBPIP8? ... b_ap_share
Just make sure that you have the steering column fully extended and down, otherwise you may spend an hour trying to get the spanner out of the tight space..thanks again enuff_zed!
I am based in West Midlands if anyone wants help with the adjustment.
Cheers!
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
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- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Yup! How to spend your Saturday evening, trying to think a jammed spanner out from 150 miles away.Chengy wrote: ↑Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:03 pm Huge thanks Joycey. Did the adjustment today, counterclockwise to tighten my steering as it felt light/floaty especially at speed and it feels so much better now. Actually needs more force to get off centre which is exactly what I wanted.
I used this which worked a treat - Silverline 633787 Fixed Head... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NBPIP8? ... b_ap_share
Just make sure that you have the steering column fully extended and down, otherwise you may spend an hour trying to get the spanner out of the tight space..thanks again enuff_zed!
I am based in West Midlands if anyone wants help with the adjustment.
Cheers!
Chengy even refused to rule out my suggestion of Semtex at one point.
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- Member
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- Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2022 2:37 pm
- Location: Warwickshire
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Your fault enuff_zed for being knowledgeable and helpful - and also giving me your phone numberenuff_zed wrote: ↑Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:13 pmYup! How to spend your Saturday evening, trying to think a jammed spanner out from 150 miles away.Chengy wrote: ↑Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:03 pm Huge thanks Joycey. Did the adjustment today, counterclockwise to tighten my steering as it felt light/floaty especially at speed and it feels so much better now. Actually needs more force to get off centre which is exactly what I wanted.
I used this which worked a treat - Silverline 633787 Fixed Head... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NBPIP8? ... b_ap_share
Just make sure that you have the steering column fully extended and down, otherwise you may spend an hour trying to get the spanner out of the tight space..thanks again enuff_zed!
I am based in West Midlands if anyone wants help with the adjustment.
Cheers!
Chengy even refused to rule out my suggestion of Semtex at one point.
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- Member
- Posts: 620
- Joined: Wed Dec 22, 2021 3:18 am
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Hey Chengy I may need to take you up on that offer at some pointChengy wrote: ↑Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:03 pm Huge thanks Joycey. Did the adjustment today, counterclockwise to tighten my steering as it felt light/floaty especially at speed and it feels so much better now. Actually needs more force to get off centre which is exactly what I wanted.
I used this which worked a treat - Silverline 633787 Fixed Head... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NBPIP8? ... b_ap_share
Just make sure that you have the steering column fully extended and down, otherwise you may spend an hour trying to get the spanner out of the tight space..thanks again enuff_zed!
I am based in West Midlands if anyone wants help with the adjustment.
Cheers!
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- Member
- Posts: 154
- Joined: Thu Sep 08, 2022 2:37 pm
- Location: Warwickshire
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
All good matey, yeah just send me a PMSpecial Kay wrote: ↑Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:39 pmHey Chengy I may need to take you up on that offer at some pointChengy wrote: ↑Sun Mar 26, 2023 12:03 pm Huge thanks Joycey. Did the adjustment today, counterclockwise to tighten my steering as it felt light/floaty especially at speed and it feels so much better now. Actually needs more force to get off centre which is exactly what I wanted.
I used this which worked a treat - Silverline 633787 Fixed Head... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B000NBPIP8? ... b_ap_share
Just make sure that you have the steering column fully extended and down, otherwise you may spend an hour trying to get the spanner out of the tight space..thanks again enuff_zed!
I am based in West Midlands if anyone wants help with the adjustment.
Cheers!
- ryushe
- Member
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- Joined: Sun Apr 11, 2010 3:57 am
- Location: Rotterdam, NL
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Long shot, but I just can't seem to get this sorted out. Made a special super low profile tool with a T40 torx bit to get to the harder to reach bolt, but no joy in actually loosening the bolt and adjusting the ring. With all the friendly folk on here, anyone in NL that has done this before and would be willing to help me out?
'06 E85 Z4 3.0si 6 speed manual - Black metallic w/ champagne interior
Prev BMWs: '04 E85 Z4 Individual 2.5i • '04 E85 Z4 3.0i • '04 E46 M3 • '04 E61 535d • '86 E28 525i • '87 E28 528e
Prev BMWs: '04 E85 Z4 Individual 2.5i • '04 E85 Z4 3.0i • '04 E46 M3 • '04 E61 535d • '86 E28 525i • '87 E28 528e
- enuff_zed
- Lifer
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- Joined: Wed Oct 26, 2016 11:05 am
- Location: Attleborough, Norfolk
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Try using an 8mm bi hex ratchet ring spannerryushe wrote: ↑Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:18 pm Long shot, but I just can't seem to get this sorted out. Made a special super low profile tool with a T40 torx bit to get to the harder to reach bolt, but no joy in actually loosening the bolt and adjusting the ring. With all the friendly folk on here, anyone in NL that has done this before and would be willing to help me out?
- Barty
- Senior Member
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- Location: Netherlands
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Haven’t done it myself, but ProCar in Zwolle do it all the time. They can help you out no problemryushe wrote: ↑Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:18 pm Long shot, but I just can't seem to get this sorted out. Made a special super low profile tool with a T40 torx bit to get to the harder to reach bolt, but no joy in actually loosening the bolt and adjusting the ring. With all the friendly folk on here, anyone in NL that has done this before and would be willing to help me out?
Four Alfa's and a Ducati later, I've turned to the dark side...
"Drive German, wear Italian, kiss French"
Z4: Tiefgrüen Metallic E86 3.0Si / Insta @bartsbuilds
"Drive German, wear Italian, kiss French"
Z4: Tiefgrüen Metallic E86 3.0Si / Insta @bartsbuilds
- ryushe
- Member
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- Joined: Sun Apr 11, 2010 3:57 am
- Location: Rotterdam, NL
E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
Good suggestion, will give them a call, thanks!
'06 E85 Z4 3.0si 6 speed manual - Black metallic w/ champagne interior
Prev BMWs: '04 E85 Z4 Individual 2.5i • '04 E85 Z4 3.0i • '04 E46 M3 • '04 E61 535d • '86 E28 525i • '87 E28 528e
Prev BMWs: '04 E85 Z4 Individual 2.5i • '04 E85 Z4 3.0i • '04 E46 M3 • '04 E61 535d • '86 E28 525i • '87 E28 528e