A list of steering issues...

espender

Member
 Portsmouth
I have owned my Z4 for about a month and it has been constant issues, many of which are sorted but there is still plenty oflf work to be done so I have decided to ask on here for advice.

I plan on using the car as a project anyway but it's just fire fighting at the moment.

About a week after I bought it I left it in the sun all day and after about 15 minutes of driving I put a full lock on to reverse and the power steering died. After plenty of frustrating restarts I asked around and got the standard 'new column for £2500' from all but Power Steering Services. Long story short after nearly two weeks of them messing me around I paid £650 for a 'fixed' EPS but they had £2000 worth of recommended fixes. Never use that company.

However it was pointed out that the front right arch was dipped, turns out I had blown a shock. Two new front springs and shocks by Protyre in an afternoon (great service) but they recommended new suspension at the rear. They also showed me that the steering rack has a lot of movement and needs replacing.

The car drives much better now after new suspension (duh :headbang: ) but sometimes the steering feels like it is pulling to either one side or the other and requires constant pressure to keep straight. At high speed it feels loose and a bit dangerous. My camber is a bit out but alignment seems good. For a £4500 car I have spent nearly £1500 fixing it with another £1000 on the cards. Any recommendations?

Sorry for the long post but my dream car is trying its best to be a bit of a nightmare!
 
One of the easier/cheaper things you can try to check for is worn rear bushing on the rear control arm aka "lollipop bush".

With your car parked, push hard inwards on the back rim of the tyre. If you can move it (feel play) with your body weight, very likely the culprit. Relatively cheap part and not much labour to fit.

I replaced mine when I got the car as the shop found the car unalignable since there was so much play. That would also give the steering the wobbly feel.

From what I've seen, a very common (ala expected) maintanence item.
 
Is the car still on runflats?

If so then get rid asap. The ride, tramlining etc will be much improved with non runflat tyres.
 
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