E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)

[steve_newlands]

Thanks - I'll adjust the ring and keep you posted!

 

[Jsomerville]

I'm based in Somerset and would be happy to help anyone nearby who isn't sure how to tackle this issue.

Hey mate, I have had my Z4 for about a month and it seems like I have the exact same issue.
Any chance you could lend a hand? I am based in Somerset also!!

 

[James72]

Just adjusted my e86 tonight, was getting a slight steering wheel pulse at 60-70 varied depending on road surface, noticed it first on the drive home after picking it up a few weeks back. Put it down to the coil overs and 19” wheels.

Anyway after removing the coil overs, still happening, so initially tightened 10mm and no wobble but sticky steering, so backed up 5mm and it’s bob on.

Big thanks to all who post these free fixes, although think I need physio after spend 20 minutes upside down under the steering wheel.

I used 8mm ratchet spanner and a big ring spanner on the end for leverage

 

[wonkydonkey]

I'm based in Somerset and would be happy to help anyone nearby who isn't sure how to tackle this issue.

Hey mate, I have had my Z4 for about a month and it seems like I have the exact same issue.
Any chance you could lend a hand? I am based in Somerset also!!

Absolutely. Will drop you a PM.

 

[wonkydonkey]

Thanks - I'll adjust the ring and keep you posted!

How did you get on, Steve?

 

[Rjblais]

Just had a go at this, but can’t get enough leverage on the bolts with my hand up inside the dash. Mine’s and e86 and it has allen bolts, not torx. I’ve got an allen bit, then universal joint, short extension, then T piece (all 1/4 inch), but I can’t get enough leverage on it. There’s not enough room to get anything longer up in there either. I suppose I’ll have to take the whole steering assembly out if I can’t find a way.

Any advice?

It took a while, but I just did it on my 2005 Z4 CDN model. After removing the lower steering wheel cover and the footwell cover..
Front: 6mm 1/4 inch bit in a 1/4 inch socket, attached to a swivel, then a 6 inch extension and then a 3 inch extension, then the ratchet drive. This was accessed above the knee airbag. Patience to get the hex bit in. then applying force to keep it in, and snap it off.
Back: 6mm 1/4 inch bit in a 1/4 inch socket, attached to a swivel, then a 3 inch extension, then the ratchet drive. This one is easier.

What fooled me was the eccentric ring is a separate unit sandwiched in between. Kept trying to turn the servo unit. duh. I set it at 10mm as per suggestions from other members. Will test tomorrow in the 32*C heat wave in Ottawa.

Best of luck to all you DIY North American owners.

 

[ionofchios]

i managed to get a short-ended Allen key on the nearest one, and the back one a managed to get with the same key but long-ways and at an angle (it has one of those ball-ends, so you don’t have to get it in dead straight), and was able to get some pliers in there to grip the short end and get leverage. I then replaced the back one with a bolt which I was able to get to with a normal spanner, with a bit ground off of one side to get some rotation room.

 

[Ala5dair]

Sorry mis-post. See below

 

[Ala5dair]

[ref]Ala5dair[/ref] let us know how you get on. Also, from a diagnostic standpoint, don't forget that this problem is affected by temperature. Running the air con on cold blowing hard at your feet for 5-10 mins or so can reduce the effect of sticky steering. Conversely, blowing hot for 5-10 mins can make it worse. Perhaps try these to see if they affect the stiction you experience. If so, the adjustment should be the solution.

Sorry it’s taken so long to post a reply, Wonkydonky, but my zed’s been off the road for some time, so I’ve not been posting. Before I got a chance to look at the adjustment, I had a critical failure of the eps, which resulted in a total rebuild and refurbishment. After the refurb, my steering is as tight as a duck’s bum, but unfortunately, I’m faced with a four-figure bill which, after laying out for new tyres and a service is less than welcome.... There may well be a hard top for sale soon....

 

[wonkydonkey]

[ref]Ala5dair[/ref] ouch, sorry to hear that The last member's car I adjusted the column on needed a huge adjustment. His column too had been removed, refurbished and then refitted. It was about as tight as I've felt a sticky steering column. It's spot on now though, so you're just a quick fiddle away from a happy day! :lol:

 

[Vivian12]

Just a note to say how lucky I was to resolve a sticky steering issue.
I went to a members house who had offered to fix the problem- which he did.
It just shows how vital it is, to have access to this forum.viv thomas
Grateful thanks to wonky donkey

 

[Ala5dair]

[ref]Ala5dair[/ref] ouch, sorry to hear that The last member's car I adjusted the column on needed a huge adjustment. His column too had been removed, refurbished and then refitted. It was about as tight as I've felt a sticky steering column. It's spot on now though, so you're just a quick fiddle away from a happy day! :lol:

Sorry, but I obviously wasn’t clear in my previous posting. By “tight” I meant “perfect”. The steering is direct, with no tramlining, and seems unaffected by temperature and time. So now, with sorted steering and new Pirelli PZero (non-RFT’s) my car is a delight to drive....

 

[wonkydonkey]

Just a note to say how lucky I was to resolve a sticky steering issue.
I went to a members house who had offered to fix the problem- which he did.
It just shows how vital it is, to have access to this forum.viv thomas
Grateful thanks to wonky donkey

The internet certainly has its uses! You're entirely welcome. I'm glad you can enjoy the car again now 8)

 

[wonkydonkey]

[ref]Ala5dair[/ref] ouch, sorry to hear that The last member's car I adjusted the column on needed a huge adjustment. His column too had been removed, refurbished and then refitted. It was about as tight as I've felt a sticky steering column. It's spot on now though, so you're just a quick fiddle away from a happy day! :lol:

Sorry, but I obviously wasn’t clear in my previous posting. By “tight” I meant “perfect”. The steering is direct, with no tramlining, and seems unaffected by temperature and time. So now, with sorted steering and new Pirelli PZero (non-RFT’s) my car is a delight to drive....

I seeeee. Happy days!

 

[Karlosfandango]

The internet certainly has its uses! You're entirely welcome. I'm glad you can enjoy the car again now

Mr Donkey I was wondering if I too could make use of your fix? I am up near Oxford but happy to travel down if you think you can help! Thanks

 

[wonkydonkey]

The internet certainly has its uses! You're entirely welcome. I'm glad you can enjoy the car again now

Mr Donkey I was wondering if I too could make use of your fix? I am up near Oxford but happy to travel down if you think you can help! Thanks

Hi Karlos. I'm sure that could be arranged. Are you positive that you have sticky steering?

 

[Karlosfandango]

Not positive but there are a few things recently that have started to sway my decision.

There is a consistent creaking when steering either way that seems to be worse when everything has warmed up.

Occasionally I feel like the steering is fighting me a bit and seems to have sticky and non sticky parts during the turn.

A lot of the comments I have read seem to lead to this fix and there doesn't seem to be a downside to giving it a go!

 

[wonkydonkey]

[ref]Karlosfandango[/ref] creaking tends to come from the rack itself, I believe. That doesn't mean to say that you don't have sticky steering though. I was only querying the diagnosis to try and reduce the chances of you driving 200 miles (and, I suppose, me spending the time/effort carrying out the work) for no reason I should probably construct a template message to send to people to help with this. I'll drop you a message in a few moments in an attempt to create the template!

 

[Joycey]

Glad to see this thread is still proving helpful for people :driving:

 

[espender]

Not positive but there are a few things recently that have started to sway my decision.

There is a consistent creaking when steering either way that seems to be worse when everything has warmed up.

Occasionally I feel like the steering is fighting me a bit and seems to have sticky and non sticky parts during the turn.

A lot of the comments I have read seem to lead to this fix and there doesn't seem to be a downside to giving it a go!

I have the same thing, feels dangerous on twisty roads when it changes from a loose feel to deciding to pull to the centre or off the road! Let me know if it solves your issue, I might give it a go too.