2003 3.0 sticky steering

S

speed12

Member
Evening all.

Been a while since I posted on here, however about 4 weeks ago (during the last hot spell) and tonight (24 degrees C), I have noticed my steering is horrible and notchy/ sticky like it never wants to return naturally to its centre. It requires a horrible jerk to correct itself. It's strange because when stationary it seems normal. Both times I have noticed it, it has been warm and the car was parked outside all day at the office. Tonight however I called into the gym on the way home and after a quick gym session it was perfectly normal.

Now I have seen things online about it being related to a hot ECU?? surely this cannot be? I mean I spent 3 weeks in the south of france last year with temperatures well into the thirties and it was perfectly fine then. Some people have been renewing the upper steering column, however that seems a bit drastic for an intermitant fault.

IS there a chance that the steering rack, or some joints require lubricating? or is it dodgy angle sensors on the steering column?

Anyone else suffer with this at all?

Car has only done 42K and has full service history

Kind regards
 
I had the same experience on my 2003 when I first had it and cured it by lubricating the steering joints which were dry. I worked on the theory that they tightened up when static in the heat. No problems since.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=26196&p=363322&hilit=steering#p363322

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=245961
 
This is a known issue, I think many were fixed under warranty.

Do a search on here, there is lots of info available.
 
Unfortunately with an 8 year old car I think a warranty claim is out of the question, shame though as its only done 40k.

Thanks for the tips regarding lubricating the joints, will have to try and get that done! two road trips this year, cornwall, and then corsica and sardinia.

Thanks
 
+1 on lubricating the two UJs, they are easily accessible.

But heres a slightly off-the-wall one; battery.

I had similar but less intense symptoms for a while and I've recently changed my 4.5 year-old battery which was getting a bit whu-whu-whu...not only does the car run a lot better now but fuel consumption dropped immediately by 3-4 mpg and my sticky (electric assisted) steering has vanished completely. :?

Probably pure placebo, but if your battery is long in the tooth....... :driving:
 
I think the battery must be pretty old, though it generally starts fine. Been a few occasions when it won't start but I think I have a coil pack failing.

I put some basic engine oil on both universal joints this evening, but doubt it would male much difference, both joints were in good condition for an 8 year old car. Will put some more oil on tomorrow and let it soak in. Driving it to work on Wednesday so will see how it goes, Cornwall is next week.

Where is the steering control unit based? Is it not possible to rig up a 12v pcu fan on the ignition switch to provide cooling? Is it the electronics that get hot or the motor itself? Strange that its only happening now...
 
Hey...

I had a similar problem with my 05 zed at 23k and unfortunately it required the whole steering column to be replaced (must have been a faulty part)... luckily I had only just purchased the car so had it repaired under warranty...

Good luck with yours!

Cheers,

Ames x
 
speed12 said:
Where is the steering control unit based? Is it not possible to rig up a 12v pcu fan on the ignition switch to provide cooling? Is it the electronics that get hot or the motor itself? Strange that its only happening now...
Click to expand...

I've been wondering this myself, as my steering only goes sticky when it is hot outside or i've had the heating on pointed at the foot well. Could the unit be moved even?
 
I hot weather I use a full screen sunshade,should eliminate any issues with te dreaded sticky sterering.If it is present ( I've had it 3 times in 3 years) then run the aircon on max cool for 5 mins then it goes away. Easy solution.
 
OK, suffered a bit from this over the weekend. The weather was hot in Ireland last weekend (very rare!!) and the steering was driving me nuts. So I decided to do some experimentation with the air-con and vent settings. The one I found work best was to have the air-con on very low, the position dial between console vents and windscreen vents (but more towards the console vents). but I had all the console vents closed. My theory being there would be a build up of cold air in the pipes which feed the console vents and this must have been keeping the steering module cool (wherever it is!). Completly unscientific I know but it appeared to work. Will keep an eye on it the next time we get a bit of sun in Ireland (could be a while :P )
 
The lube is easy. Stick your head under the bonnet and see where the steering column comes out from the bulkhead,you'll see some universal joints on the staft.Get some spray on grease from a car accessories store and give it a good coating.Job done.
 
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