Odd steering issues and now brake disc warning!?

D

DanSprag

Member
Hello All,

Hoping you can help me out...

The Z4 has been covered and unused for around a month due to the poor weather and general lack of time.
Came to use her yesterday and was worried that the battery may have given out, but no.. Started first time with no problems at all - was chuffed. :D

So anyway I took her out for a spin and noticed within half a mile that something felt odd, just as I was going round the first round about, all of a sudden it felt like the back end had stepped out, the steering was tugging to straighten up the car... Very odd.. I was only doing 20mph so definantely wasn't a slide..

I carried on going but as I pulled onto a small A road I noticed that the steering was centering... I could put it at an angel and it would just stay there even with my hands off the wheel while going along.

Came up to the next round about and the same again, odd tugging then no feedback at all.

So I figure its the power steering,maybe the pump, maybe I'm low on fluid. But then the replace brake disks light comes on!!!

My thinking is that this might be the way that the car is interrupting the odd steering, but does that sound right to anyone else?

I have never known a brake disk to effect a cars steering when it isn't braking, and I wasn't at any point.

Please help!

Thanks all
Danny
 
Hi, First up check you don't have a flat tyre - could it be the tyre pressure light?
Get it on a ramp to inspect for a loose suspension link or anti-roll bar.
Looking at your intro post you have a 3.0 which has electric assisted steering and no pump/fluid. Low current can give the symptoms you have so make sure the battery is fully charged, all connections are good and it's in tip-top condition.
Next is mechanical interference (pull) from sticky brake callipers they slide on pins on BMWs and can stick, or sticky brake pistons - you may notice a calliper or wheel is hot even when you barely use the brakes, jack the wheel and test for resistance then inspect for function and wear of course since you have a wear indicator showing :).
Then start thinking about 'sticky steering', search the forum and you will find lots of threads about this including this.
http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=38111&p=524966#p524966
You will see several have cured the problem by lubricating the steering column lower universal joints which can get dry and sticky.

Good luck :thumbsup:
 
AstroMan said:
Hello guys. Its my first time to have a car and I admit that I lacked knowledge when it comes to cars. Actually, last week, when I'm stepping on my brake pedals, I feel like the brake disc doesn't respond properly. Any tips on how will I know if it needs t e replace? thanks :|
Click to expand...

You can visually check how much pad is left by looking through the wheel spokes at the calipers. Also, if the pads wear down to needing replacement the sensor will trip the idiot light on the dash telling you they are done. Every time you have the vehicle serviced a good mechanic will not just change the oil, he will visually check coolant levels, hoses, belts and brake pad thickness etc and inform you what is needed or will soon be needed. I suggest finding a good independent mechanic in your area.

If your brakes don't feel right then get them checked immediately. Brakes are not something to wonder about.
 
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