2004 Z4 Steering Issues

S

Scotlandweller

Member
Hi,

Having trouble with my 2004 Z4. Two things actually, which may, or may not, be connected. Firstly, the steering feels over light, its fine on twisty roads, but on a motorway the steering feels loose. Secondly, after about a hours driving with the roof down and heater on, the car starts to tramline and the steering seems to have a stiff point when turning.

Done all the usual checks, slight play on the bottom universal joint, otherwise nothing visible. A motoring friend suggested it may be the tyre choice. Problems only appeared when a new set of Goodyear Efficient Grip 205/55R16 were put on. The bushes were also changed at that time and the wheels aligned. Does anyone know of problems associated with tyre choice on these cars?

and.... does anyone have any other ideas as to what the problem may be.

K
 
try changing heater blower direction so not on legs as this put warm air onto the steering rack and effects its (sticky steering) also try spraying white grease on the steering knuckle in the engine bay as its very close to the exhaust and again gets effected by heat. Sports mode on a motorway will make the steering feel light.
 
weird tyre choice. bit skinny imo.
but having said that, i took my winters off (225x55x16) which were sublime and replaced with the staggered standard 18's and it was back to tramline city and jittery steering :/
 
Really interested to read about your problem. I bought my car in Cumbria and drove it home a few weeks ago experiencing similar symptoms to you. All was well driving over the Pennines but once on the A1 the car tramlined and there was this odd sensation of a sticking point in the steering. It has poor tyres on it and I assumed this was the problem. They are to be replaced, hopefully tomorrow with Goodyears. I had the local BMW specialist check the car over but he could find no fault. Since being home the car has been used for short trips, no longer than half an hour and the problem has not re-occurred. I will try Mac's suggestions and see if that has any effect on longer drives.
 
Many thanks for the advice. Started the white grease treatment this morning on the bottom joint. Will see if this helps over the next week or so.

K
 
I had a sticky point on my steering going round roundabouts. Wheel alignment (4 wheel) totally resolved the issue cue a big sigh of a relief from me. Always a good starting point. When was last alignment completed?
 
Hi,

Alignment done when new tyres were put on last July by Kwik-Fit then checked last month when car had MOT and service. All reported okay. Keep oiling the bottom universal joint is the advice from the garage and/or change the tyres. They are presently Goodyear Efficient Grip which I don't know if this is part of the problem.
 
mac27040 said:
try changing heater blower direction so not on legs as this put warm air onto the steering rack and effects its (sticky steering) also try spraying white grease on the steering knuckle in the engine bay as its very close to the exhaust and again gets effected by heat. Sports mode on a motorway will make the steering feel light.
Click to expand...

Is that right about sport mode on the motorway making the steering fell light?
I thought it was supposed to stiffen it up. I drive mine in sport mode 100% of the time regardless of road type.
I'll have to have a blast on the motorway tonight with it off.
 
I've just had my 2004 fitted with grease nipple. It might be my imagination but feels less sticky on straights. I'm having more grease in next week so fingers crossed. Local machanic did the work using link below for guidance. Leap of faith but felt I had nothing to lose.


httpsww.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1896932-DIY-Sticky-Clunky-Steering-Fix
 
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