E85 dry steering column bearing

P

portculisz4

Member
I have a 2004 E85 in which I believe I do not have the notorious 'sticky steering' problem, however after the car has been driven for some while I get a creaking noise from the steering column area when turning the wheel. I have read that there is a central bearing in the column which is not sealed and can dry out causing this effect. I have seen some while ago (youtube I think) a video that shows the fitting of a grease nipple to the centre of the column in order to manually lubricate this bearing but for the life of me I cannot find the link again. Has anyone seen this and do they have the link that shows where and how to do it ??
 
Before you do this (I had similar) it’s well worth greasing the rack first- that’s where my noise was coming from
 
bigwinn said:
Before you do this (I had similar) it’s well worth greasing the rack first- that’s where my noise was coming from
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:thumbsup: Greasing the rack solved my problem too. I would try that first.
 
Also lubricate the two universal joints between the column and the rack. Plus spray some silicone grease up in to the white plastic bearing at the bottom of the column (where it comes through the bulkhead). These cured my steering noises.
 
Front up- secure!
Undertray off
Turn steering to right
Cut the circlip on the gaiter of the rack toward the outside of the car
Peel it back
Copper slip the rack
Resecure with a new jubilee clip

I now do it as a preventative job as they are usually bone dry
 
portculisz4 said:
is there any particular procedure for doing this ??
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https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=106340

Don't use a jubilee clip but a proper boot style clamp that gives constant pressure.
Use bearing grease, not copper grease (copper grease is an anti seize, not a particular good grease).
 
So I had this problem, greasing the rack didn't fix it...
I then had total EPS failure which it turns out was the motor failing. Since removing the column and getting the motor fixed, my creaking has gone. I think that it may have been the UJ that the column fits into as perhaps removing and re-inserting the column cleared something
 
yes it potentially can be different things, however lubing up the riggers of the steering rack is the easiest job. 30min tops.
However you'd probably need a lift or pit, but those are for rent.
 
What’s the difference with the grease?

Copper vs CV/bearing/rack grease? Is it a lithium grease?

Does anyone know much grease is needed? Think OEM stuff is supplied in a 100ml tube.

Thanks for posting by the way, not heard of this. Will add it to my growing list :lol:
 
kis said:
What’s the difference with the grease?

Copper vs CV/bearing/rack grease? Is it a lithium grease?
Click to expand...

Copper(powder) isn't really a good lubricant. It is ment as an anti fretting additive.
Bearing grease has different additives.

Copper grease is probably also lithium grease, but the 'lithium' in lithium grease has not so much to do with lubricating properties. It has to do with stability (think of clinging good to metal, temperature stable etc) The lithium is lithiumsoap (lithiumsalt of a fatty acid) on which the consistency of the grease is based.

CV grease usually has MoS2 as a lubricating additive. That is why it's so black. MoS2 works well under very heavy loads, like the contact areas in cv joints.

My guess is a normal bearing grease will work the best and won't make a mess. It's not a very critical lubricating situation.
 
thecremeegg said:
Also lubricate the two universal joints between the column and the rack. Plus spray some silicone grease up in to the white plastic bearing at the bottom of the column (where it comes through the bulkhead). These cured my steering noises.
2003 2.5 SE, low miles, Sterling Grey, 108's & Eagles, no stubby here! Unmolested.
2018 Cooper S Countryman
Fiesta Ecoboost
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My friend is looking at this E85 with a creaking sound from the steering. The owner said his son greased it before but it came back. Hope it's just needing more lube. We'll take a look at it this weekend after it returns from the installation of the newt tires from 4Wheelonline.
 
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