Another sticky steering thread

[TIMMOS29]

Hey there,

So, I was driving back from a few days away with Zed, and I noticed something strange. The steering on the motorway seemed to stick in a straight line. I’m not sure if it’s a big deal, but I thought I’d ask for your advice.

Do you think the slight turning of the ring can help fix the problem? Any tips or suggestions you have would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks a bunch!

 

[MikeyH]

I had this, adjusting the ring helped but it needed doing again.

 

[x-driver]

Which direction is the ring supposed to be turned if the symptom is just a creaky noise sometimes when turning the steering wheel? Otherwise I also have some tramlining which got way worse with worn tires. Not sure if adjusting the ring would help with it.

 

[TIMMOS29]

Which direction is the ring supposed to be turned if the symptom is just a creaky noise sometimes when turning the steering wheel? Otherwise I also have some tramlining which got way worse with worn tires. Not sure if adjusting the ring would help with it.

The rack needs greasing.

There is a yt video on that

 

[MikeyH]

Unfortunately tram lining is a feature you get used to

 

[x-driver]

Which direction is the ring supposed to be turned if the symptom is just a creaky noise sometimes when turning the steering wheel? Otherwise I also have some tramlining which got way worse with worn tires. Not sure if adjusting the ring would help with it.

The rack needs greasing.

There is a yt video on that

The rack or the column?

 

[TIMMOS29]

Which direction is the ring supposed to be turned if the symptom is just a creaky noise sometimes when turning the steering wheel? Otherwise I also have some tramlining which got way worse with worn tires. Not sure if adjusting the ring would help with it.

The rack needs greasing.

There is a yt video on that

The rack or the column?

https://youtu.be/8S4w-UwANZ8?si=RdDQPJW48BOFF92I

 

[x-driver]

That's exactly the sound I have. I'll grease the rack for sure, thanks!

 

[TIMMOS29]

I havent done mine yet but i was think of the circlip can we use a Jubilee or is it a special tool needed?

 

[BumpyZ4]

I havent done mine yet but i was think of the circlip can we use a Jubilee or is it a special tool needed?

I used tywraps/Zipties and have had no problems with the boot for the last 4 years.

 

[Adammtaylor3]

What year car do you have? I’ve read a fair bit on sticky steering and I thought mine had the same issue, but mine is a 2008 model.

I have a 3 series which has the same bolt pattern so decided to swap the 18” wheels on the z4 which has the Bridgestone run flats with the 19” wheels and non run flats from the 3 series.

Immediately the tramlining and sticky steering feeling went away on the z4, and the behaviour followed to the 3 series

Have you considered trying a decent set of non run flat tyres if you haven’t already done that?

 

[Adammtaylor3]

What year car do you have? I’ve read a fair bit on sticky steering and I thought mine had the same issue, but mine is a 2008 model.

I have a 3 series which has the same bolt pattern so decided to swap the 18” wheels on the z4 which has the Bridgestone run flats with the 19” wheels and non run flats from the 3 series.

Immediately the tramlining and sticky steering feeling went away on the z4, and the behaviour followed to the 3 series

Have you considered trying a decent set of non run flat tyres if you haven’t already done that?

 

[TIMMOS29]

What year car do you have? I’ve read a fair bit on sticky steering and I thought mine had the same issue, but mine is a 2008 model.

I have a 3 series which has the same bolt pattern so decided to swap the 18” wheels on the z4 which has the Bridgestone run flats with the 19” wheels and non run flats from the 3 series.

Immediately the tramlining and sticky steering feeling went away on the z4, and the behaviour followed to the 3 series

Have you considered trying a decent set of non run flat tyres if you haven’t already done that?

Mine havent got runflats on :| :|

 

[x-driver]

Mine is a 2003 with non-RFT 18" tyres.

 

[Sticks]

Whenever my car is serviced I ask them to lubricate every part of the steering. I think BMW does a specific grease for the rack. It's OK, not going to win awards but OK.

Getting rid of RFTs cured my tramlining but I don't know whether it's like the E46 in that mis matched front/back tyres will cause it too.