E85/E86 Steering Problems (Solved)
- Thread starter Joycey
- Start date
Hi,
I had a play with this fix.
My issues is above 50mph my steering felt vague and a slight mind of its own.
So I adjusted to tightening it up and the steering feels much more direct and heavier in a sensible way. I moved it about 8/10mm from where it was.
Though I find I feeling and hear slight knocking through the wheel. Any idea why?
Am I going wrong?? In the mean time I have backed it off slightly, approximately 3/4mm.
Also looking to check the tyre pressures.
It passed it MOT with no advisories but did say the front ARB was starting to wear. So I am looking to replace this with new powerflex bushes and new drop links. I plan to evaluate is the possibly get the wheel alignment and wheel balanced check. Any other suggestions?
I had a play with this fix.
My issues is above 50mph my steering felt vague and a slight mind of its own.
So I adjusted to tightening it up and the steering feels much more direct and heavier in a sensible way. I moved it about 8/10mm from where it was.
Though I find I feeling and hear slight knocking through the wheel. Any idea why?
Am I going wrong?? In the mean time I have backed it off slightly, approximately 3/4mm.
Also looking to check the tyre pressures.
It passed it MOT with no advisories but did say the front ARB was starting to wear. So I am looking to replace this with new powerflex bushes and new drop links. I plan to evaluate is the possibly get the wheel alignment and wheel balanced check. Any other suggestions?
Callums Dad
New member
First post, please be gentle - I have owned by 2007 E86 3.0Si for nearly 6 years now, I'm afraid it's not a first or 2nd car merely an occasional fun weekend car only so I have taken sometime to work through this issue.
Anyway, I have suffered from the stiff/woolly steering for sometime now and had already changed many parts in the search for a cure including.
Steering column joint - Genuine BMW
Bottom arms - Delphi
Anti roll bar bushes and connecting rods and - OEM
Shocks and springs all round - Bilstein OE shocks and quality replacement springs
Switched wheels and moved to non run flat tyres - moved from MV2's to BBS split rims and Nexen Nfera SU-1 tyres
Four wheel alignment.
And the problem still persisted - Anyway, I stumbled across this forum and specifically this thread, so being mechanically competent I have today moved the collar on the column 5-6mm clockwise as detailed in the instructions at the start of this thread. Early indications are that it has, at the very least, significantly improved the stiff/woolly steering issue that I have been experiencing above 50mph in a straight line if not eradicated it completely - only time will tell, but thanks to you all for the very informative thread and detailed instructions.
Fwiw, I found that if I removed the spring blocking the view of the front bolt using a pair of.mole.grips on the lower ring (for tensioning the reach and height of the wheel) I was able to get better access to the fastener with a fixed 8mm ratchet spanner which allowed me to apply more torque - I used a Halfords professional ratchet spanner as I have found them to be longer than a standard spanner and easier to get into the restricted space. I simply refitted the spring using a hook for fitting exhaust rubbers that I have (I guess even a metal coat hanger or similar with a hook on the end would do the same job).
Anyway, I have suffered from the stiff/woolly steering for sometime now and had already changed many parts in the search for a cure including.
Steering column joint - Genuine BMW
Bottom arms - Delphi
Anti roll bar bushes and connecting rods and - OEM
Shocks and springs all round - Bilstein OE shocks and quality replacement springs
Switched wheels and moved to non run flat tyres - moved from MV2's to BBS split rims and Nexen Nfera SU-1 tyres
Four wheel alignment.
And the problem still persisted - Anyway, I stumbled across this forum and specifically this thread, so being mechanically competent I have today moved the collar on the column 5-6mm clockwise as detailed in the instructions at the start of this thread. Early indications are that it has, at the very least, significantly improved the stiff/woolly steering issue that I have been experiencing above 50mph in a straight line if not eradicated it completely - only time will tell, but thanks to you all for the very informative thread and detailed instructions.
Fwiw, I found that if I removed the spring blocking the view of the front bolt using a pair of.mole.grips on the lower ring (for tensioning the reach and height of the wheel) I was able to get better access to the fastener with a fixed 8mm ratchet spanner which allowed me to apply more torque - I used a Halfords professional ratchet spanner as I have found them to be longer than a standard spanner and easier to get into the restricted space. I simply refitted the spring using a hook for fitting exhaust rubbers that I have (I guess even a metal coat hanger or similar with a hook on the end would do the same job).
Spriteracer
Member
Can I just ask, as I am about to do this shortly, what is the most likely type of bolt ? I have seen both male torx and female socket heads in photos that have been put up. When people refer to an 8mm spanner I assume they are referring to a torx spanner not a flats type but can someone please confirm. I want to make sure I have the correct one before I take it to bits.
My car is a December 2006 build (reg 2007) E86 3.0si. UK spec.
Many thanks.
My car is a December 2006 build (reg 2007) E86 3.0si. UK spec.
Many thanks.
wonkydonkey
Senior member
[ref]Spriteracer[/ref] The only way to be 100% sure is to go and look at your car. It only takes 30 seconds to open the door, climb in and shine a torch up there 
The rest of us would be guessing.
The rest of us would be guessing.
Spriteracer
Member
OK thanks for that. I probably have most tool options but if it is that uncertain I'll check as you suggest.
wonkydonkey
Senior member
[ref]Spriteracer[/ref] It is possible to use an 8 mm ringkey spanner (unless your car has the less-common socket cap screws), though the correct tool would be the appropriate E Torx spanner (E11 I think, from memory?).
Spriteracer
Member
Many thanks, I have 8mm 12 point ratchet in stock and E11 arriving tomorrow. Just my luck it will be the socket type....
Mihai Aurelian
New member
Hello guys,
Great thread, lots of useful info here.
I've been enjoying my '04 2.5 Z4 for a few years now. A few weeks ago after filled at a gas station, started the car and had no power steering. Only the steering light came on. Stopped and started, got power steering back, no light. After that the problem keeps showing up almost every
time I start the car. It usually goes away after I stop and start it a few times. If it starts without power steering, this never comes back while driving. Also if it starts with ps, it works perfectly and never shuts down while driving. Scanned it with bmw scanner 1.4 and no fault codes show up. No DSC lights, everything else works ok.
Any of you guys had this problem? Is there an easy fix or do I need a rebuilt steering column?
Thank you.
Great thread, lots of useful info here.
I've been enjoying my '04 2.5 Z4 for a few years now. A few weeks ago after filled at a gas station, started the car and had no power steering. Only the steering light came on. Stopped and started, got power steering back, no light. After that the problem keeps showing up almost every
time I start the car. It usually goes away after I stop and start it a few times. If it starts without power steering, this never comes back while driving. Also if it starts with ps, it works perfectly and never shuts down while driving. Scanned it with bmw scanner 1.4 and no fault codes show up. No DSC lights, everything else works ok.
Any of you guys had this problem? Is there an easy fix or do I need a rebuilt steering column?
Thank you.
wonkydonkey
Senior member
I'm sorry to hear about your steering woes, but what you are describing is not a sticky steering problem. In the interests of not confusing this particular thread, I'd recommend using the search function to find one of the threads about people who have had the EPS light and a loss of power steering. Failing that, you could always start a new thread about your particular problem and others will chip inMihai Aurelian said:
Hello Guys! Hope you doing all very good.
I am enjoying my z4 e85 3.0 se lately since the weather start to be good! Unfortunately I saw quite quickly than the steering was sticky. Yesterday after being cook under the sun I took my car and the sticky steering appear. And I was not to bother but yesterday it just kill my happiness. You can drive fast, can drive with one hand. I literally had to repute the steering in direction many time because if I was turning and not holding the steering it would stay in the same position not coming back.
I read thread about ikt but I sick your help. The numbers of thread are enormous the timescale also the number of forum also.
I think I understand 3 kinds of solutions.
1- Do a Tension ring adjustment.
2- Drill a hole in the column and grease it
3- Change the all column.
So as I read my understanding is the tension ring adjustment repair a lot of problem coming later 2015/16 by the German forum and seem working for many. I also read about repositioning the engine or column cant tell.
Anyway I did my research but I am a noob in that. I dont want to do anything stupid. I am leaving in the midland and I would like if someone did the repair can help me. I can also pay a garage to do if you know one near when they dont still your money haha.
Thank you guys
I am enjoying my z4 e85 3.0 se lately since the weather start to be good! Unfortunately I saw quite quickly than the steering was sticky. Yesterday after being cook under the sun I took my car and the sticky steering appear. And I was not to bother but yesterday it just kill my happiness. You can drive fast, can drive with one hand. I literally had to repute the steering in direction many time because if I was turning and not holding the steering it would stay in the same position not coming back.
I read thread about ikt but I sick your help. The numbers of thread are enormous the timescale also the number of forum also.
I think I understand 3 kinds of solutions.
1- Do a Tension ring adjustment.
2- Drill a hole in the column and grease it
3- Change the all column.
So as I read my understanding is the tension ring adjustment repair a lot of problem coming later 2015/16 by the German forum and seem working for many. I also read about repositioning the engine or column cant tell.
Anyway I did my research but I am a noob in that. I dont want to do anything stupid. I am leaving in the midland and I would like if someone did the repair can help me. I can also pay a garage to do if you know one near when they dont still your money haha.
Thank you guys
wonkydonkey
Senior member
[ref]Cliic[/ref] Option 1 is the correct fix for this issue. This thread may be long, but it has been created specifically with the aim of helping just like you, so I would recommend taking the time to read it, as it doesn't cost you any money. I could carry out the adjustment for you, but it would take about two hours for you to drive to my house.
wonkydonkey
Senior member
[ref]Cliic[/ref] That's the spirit! 
You can always post back in here to ask for help if you run into any problems.
You can always post back in here to ask for help if you run into any problems.BostonJohn
Member
I have only had my Z4 for about 6 weeks at first although I thought the steering was twitchy it was not that bad however last weekend when it was hot I started to get the notchy steering where I had to constantly make small adjustments to keep in a straight line. I do not have heavy or vague steering and no vibration or warning lights.
It is a facelift 2.5si built in 2007 unfortunately it is in the bodyshop now having the front bumper painted so I cannot check while it is cooler. From reading this thread I plan to go through a number of checks before reverting to drilling a hole for lubricant or moving the ring as discussed. I have nearly new Dunlop Sport Maxx non run flats so assume they are okay, the wheels are 108’s but they have been refurbed probably fairly recently and I cannot remember seeing any balance weights on them so will get them balanced, I will also check tyre pressures again they were 25 psi all round when I first got the car! I think I put in 34 front 36 rear so I may drop them slightly. The spigot I think it’s called this? The part the wheel sits on looks very rusty on all corners so I will wire brush this down but not sure what I should apply afterwards. The front lollipop bushes were replaced last year so I wonder if they were done correctly? I will get my friendly one man mechanic who does my MOT check all the the other bushes front and rear and grease any parts that can be. I have also noticed a slight sound like brake rubbing which he thought would be the rear brake disc guards, not bad but annoying. I have also seen springs can break? I guess once everything is ruled out I can get a laser alignment done. Never had this with my old 2.8 Z3 it just sat planted on the road! Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Thanks
It is a facelift 2.5si built in 2007 unfortunately it is in the bodyshop now having the front bumper painted so I cannot check while it is cooler. From reading this thread I plan to go through a number of checks before reverting to drilling a hole for lubricant or moving the ring as discussed. I have nearly new Dunlop Sport Maxx non run flats so assume they are okay, the wheels are 108’s but they have been refurbed probably fairly recently and I cannot remember seeing any balance weights on them so will get them balanced, I will also check tyre pressures again they were 25 psi all round when I first got the car! I think I put in 34 front 36 rear so I may drop them slightly. The spigot I think it’s called this? The part the wheel sits on looks very rusty on all corners so I will wire brush this down but not sure what I should apply afterwards. The front lollipop bushes were replaced last year so I wonder if they were done correctly? I will get my friendly one man mechanic who does my MOT check all the the other bushes front and rear and grease any parts that can be. I have also noticed a slight sound like brake rubbing which he thought would be the rear brake disc guards, not bad but annoying. I have also seen springs can break? I guess once everything is ruled out I can get a laser alignment done. Never had this with my old 2.8 Z3 it just sat planted on the road! Any thoughts greatly appreciated. Thanks
Bluebogartlabel
Member
I've had a problem with what I would call 'twitchy' steering since I bought my car five years ago; at anything over 70 it was definitely a case of both hands on the wheel at all times!
I read this post when it first went out and have followed it on and off ever since and really thought I must give it a go. I think what stopped me was the same reason the car is still on run flats and that is I just don't drive it enough which is a poor reflection on me. Anyway this morning I finally got my backside in gear and got the job done and, thanks to all those who have gone before and shared their experiences, it was very straightforward and the result is nothing short of transformational.
I moved the ring anti-clockwise between 5-6mm which has had the effect of tightening the steering. All the twitching has gone and I can't detect any stickiness although the steering through the wheel is noticeably heavier (but in a reassuring way if that makes sense). Like others on here I will see how it goes and further adjust if necessary. If I do need to make any adjustments I would anticipate they would be in a clockwise direction 1mm at a time which would loosen the steering from it's current position.
For anyone procrastinating like me just do it, you'll only wish you'd done it sooner.
I read this post when it first went out and have followed it on and off ever since and really thought I must give it a go. I think what stopped me was the same reason the car is still on run flats and that is I just don't drive it enough which is a poor reflection on me. Anyway this morning I finally got my backside in gear and got the job done and, thanks to all those who have gone before and shared their experiences, it was very straightforward and the result is nothing short of transformational.
I moved the ring anti-clockwise between 5-6mm which has had the effect of tightening the steering. All the twitching has gone and I can't detect any stickiness although the steering through the wheel is noticeably heavier (but in a reassuring way if that makes sense). Like others on here I will see how it goes and further adjust if necessary. If I do need to make any adjustments I would anticipate they would be in a clockwise direction 1mm at a time which would loosen the steering from it's current position.
For anyone procrastinating like me just do it, you'll only wish you'd done it sooner.