EPS issues

[James93]

Hi all I know this is something that has been discussed before but thought I’d open a new topic since my situation with the EPS seems to be a bit different to others.

I think everyone has their own issues but with mine when the car is warm only and I turn the steering wheel to full lock I get a loss of power steering for a moment and the EPS warning light comes on too. I’ve just taken it to a BMW specialist who told me it was the the steering angle sensor, however they replaced this and I still have the problem.

My thoughts from reading other threads is that this is basically the sticky steering problem and can’t be corrected without a new Column, obviously correcting this problem isn’t worth £2,000 to me personally so thinking I should just live with it... would be good to hear people’s thoughts on this

Cheers,

James

 

[bz4kev]

Have a look at my thread my steering has died few bits of good info on there

 

[mr.tourette]

start by getting some lithium grease on the column universal joints that run through the engine bay, my car always seems to do it the first day i take it out of winter storage, once i grease the joints it doesn't happen again

 

[wonkydonkey]

My thoughts from reading other threads is that this is basically the sticky steering problem and can’t be corrected without a new Column

Hi James. Couple of things:

1. Sticky steering doesn't usually require replacement of the column.

2. Your issue doesn't sound anything like sticky steering.

The solution posted by mr.tourette above sounds like your first port of call, though I must admit I was thinking it sounded potentially like damage to the ribbon in your clock spring. Fingers crossed the grease idea solves it

 

[James93]

Thanks guys, I assumed this was sticky steering as someone explained that sticky steering as a loss of eps within a split second leading to a sticky sensation which sounded plausible to me... either way I’ll try greasing the joints up and go from there

 

[wonkydonkey]

[ref]James93[/ref] Sticky steering is typically caused by the thermal expansion (and subsequent binding) of mechanical components within the column, rather than an electrical issue Sticky steering can also be caused by the incorrect adjustment of the column in the first place, in which case no thermal effect is required in order for the parts to bind. Increased ambient temperatures will always make sticky steering worse, either way.

 

[James93]

[ref]James93[/ref] Sticky steering is typically caused by the thermal expansion (and subsequent binding) of mechanical components within the column, rather than an electrical issue Sticky steering can also be caused by the incorrect adjustment of the column in the first place, in which case no thermal effect is required in order for the parts to bind. Increased ambient temperatures will always make sticky steering worse, either way.

Thanks for your help i think I can rule out sticky steering then! I haven’t applied grease to the joints yet because this is a purchase dispute with a dealer and we are going to a bmw specialist to try and sort it... im currently trying to gauge how serious it might be if I need to act legally, I need to do it fast preferably today...

Essentially the steering warning lights comes on and I lose power steering for a second or too when there’s a lot of use on the steering I.e three point turn, parking etc it also cuts out the radio and air conditioning which I think is the biggest clue as to what the problem is but can anyone share there thoughts on how severe this might be???

 

[wonkydonkey]

It sounds like it could be a faulty earth somewhere. Are the battery terminals securely tightened onto the terminals? I haven't had to dig into my Z4s' electrics much yet so am not familiar with any earth points around the car. I wonder if the column has been removed from yours and an earth wire nearby has been left loose?

 

[ph001]

Essentially the steering warning lights comes on and I lose power steering for a second or too when there’s a lot of use on the steering I.e three point turn, parking etc it also cuts out the radio and air conditioning which I think is the biggest clue as to what the problem is but can anyone share there thoughts on how severe this might be???

...probably the CANBUS is getting a glitch on it because steering angle sensor is shorting to ground momentarily.

 

[James93]

Essentially the steering warning lights comes on and I lose power steering for a second or too when there’s a lot of use on the steering I.e three point turn, parking etc it also cuts out the radio and air conditioning which I think is the biggest clue as to what the problem is but can anyone share there thoughts on how severe this might be???

...probably the CANBUS is getting a glitch on it because steering angle sensor is shorting to ground momentarily.

Issue is sorted now garage said it was a loose electrical connection so may have been that? Very pleased it wasn’t a new steering column lol