STEERING COLUMN REPLACEMENT

S

scorpionfrance2

New member
Hi All
Just returned to the Forum after a bit of a break.
Sorry if this has been covered before, but, my probelm is this...
I have a 2.5i Z4 registered Dec 2006, which has been, almost, faultless in the six years I have owned it - until now! It has developed 'sticky steering syndrome' over the last few weeks - intermitently notchy and not pleasant to drive. I was under the impression that the problem was solved for 2006 cars and later, but it seems that 2006 cars had the problem.
I've seen posts suggesting drilling and lubricating the column, but I would prefer to replace it. Being an OAP, I really can't run to main dealer prices, and will probably have to do the work myself. Which brings me to my question - I've been offered a 2008 Z4 column, (BMW Nr. 32306786151AI01) and I wonder if anyone can tell me if this could this be used as a replacement?
Cheers
Scorp.
 
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100725&hilit=Sticky
If you can get towards the end of the thread I've linked to .
Many have had success just moving a slip ring . And most have been able to do them selves
 
As Mark says you can usually fix the sticky steering by moving the eccentric ring which is placed after the motor but before the motor shaft joins the steering column. If you’re an OAP it might be too difficult for you physically to move it as you need to lie in the footwell upside down, not a pleasant job if the seat is still in. However it’s such an easy job for someone that can get in there it’s more than worth trying to find someone to do it for you, if you’re anywhere near Derbyshire I’d be happy to do it. Imo it’s worth putting a separate thread up on the forum asking if anyone can do it for you, would save you a LOT of money. :thumbsup:
 
I too have sticky steering. I adjusted the ring mentioned above but haven't had success yet. I'll be going for the drill and grease method next week (because it's free).

If I have success I'd be more than happy to carry out either/both mods on your column if you're somewhere near to me in Somerset. Neither approach would cost you a penny - perhaps worth considering before paying for a column and labour?
 
When you adjust the ring, remember there is no set place for it to be, so you may want to mark it 1st, then adjust and try different positions. I adjusted mine twice and it feels so much better to drive.
 
Always thought this problem was pre facelift cars sorry to here this as its very annoying when driving I had a 2008 column fitted to my 2004 3.0 and no probs since that was 9 years ago I was lucky enough to get it as goodwill from BMW was just out of used warranty only cost me £200 labour.
 
Moving the ring throughout it's whole range of movement only alters the worm drive/wheel relationship by about 1mm and you can't move it so much that it disengages. Lubricating it is only a short term fix as the grease will be forced out from between the two components.

Mike
 
john-e89 said:
If you’re an OAP it might be too difficult for you physically to move it as you need to lie in the footwell upside down, not a pleasant job if the seat is still in.
Click to expand...
Many thanks for the advice. Luckily, although I'm an OAP, I have no physical restrictions - only financial ones!! Going to have acrack at moving the ring.
Scorp.
 
My 2003 3.0 manual started to show the sticky steering problem on a trip back from Scotland a couple of months ago. Having read through the grease nipple addition threads I gave it a go and can confirm that the steering is transformed.
It's an awkward job though which prompted some questions from SWMBO about what new driving position I was trying out.

On hot days on a long run, it stays as smooth as it should and the benefit of the nipple is that it can be re-greased if it ever shows signs of tightening again. Looking at feedback it shouldn't need it though.

I didn't touch the slip ring adjustment as this fixed the issue. Hope this helps.
 
spoonies said:
My 2003 3.0 manual started to show the sticky steering problem on a trip back from Scotland a couple of months ago. Having read through the grease nipple addition threads I gave it a go and can confirm that the steering is transformed.
It's an awkward job though which prompted some questions from SWMBO about what new driving position I was trying out.

On hot days on a long run, it stays as smooth as it should and the benefit of the nipple is that it can be re-greased if it ever shows signs of tightening again. Looking at feedback it shouldn't need it though.

I didn't touch the slip ring adjustment as this fixed the issue. Hope this helps.
Click to expand...
Nice write up, glad it worked for you. Are you going to join the forum, we like photos of your ride :thumbsup:
 
scorpionfrance2 said:
john-e89 said:
If you’re an OAP it might be too difficult for you physically to move it as you need to lie in the footwell upside down, not a pleasant job if the seat is still in.
Click to expand...
Many thanks for the advice. Luckily, although I'm an OAP, I have no physical restrictions - only financial ones!! Going to have acrack at moving the ring.
Scorp.
Click to expand...

Good stuff. As Firebobby says mark the ring and the housing with a screwdriver as you need to know where the starting position is. It may well only need moving a few millimetres, from what I’ve read the average seems to be approx 5mm, but it’s trial and error.

Best of luck. :thumbsup:
 
scorpionfrance2 said:
Hi All
Just returned to the Forum after a bit of a break.
Sorry if this has been covered before, but, my probelm is this...
I have a 2.5i Z4 registered Dec 2006, which has been, almost, faultless in the six years I have owned it - until now! It has developed 'sticky steering syndrome' over the last few weeks - intermitently notchy and not pleasant to drive. I was under the impression that the problem was solved for 2006 cars and later, but it seems that 2006 cars had the problem.
I've seen posts suggesting drilling and lubricating the column, but I would prefer to replace it. Being an OAP, I really can't run to main dealer prices, and will probably have to do the work myself. Which brings me to my question - I've been offered a 2008 Z4 column, (BMW Nr. 32306786151AI01) and I wonder if anyone can tell me if this could this be used as a replacement?
Cheers
Scorp.
Click to expand...
Had the same problem which I identified as far worse when the car was left out sunshine. Simple, if heat was a problem, I took the aircon ducting off the adjacent dash outlet (not really needed) and redirected the outlet to blow chilled air onto the column close to the motor. Not had the problem since. You can decide when to use the aircon or, like me, leave it on with the dash outlets closed. But In cooler conditions I can leave it off and get no problems.
 
Left in the sunshine, open the windows at the top a little as someone else on here said, it works. A while ago I worked up the courage to adjust my slip-ring and found it had already been moved and had the nipple conversion done. So must of had a lot of problems in the past, anyway I adjusted mine another 5mm and it seems better but is a little bit tight when very hot. As a bit of a warning re drilling a hole, it has been mentioned on here that it might put swarf into the steering column.
 
Davo56 said:
Had the same problem which I identified as far worse when the car was left out sunshine. Simple, if heat was a problem, I took the aircon ducting off the adjacent dash outlet (not really needed) and redirected the outlet to blow chilled air onto the column close to the motor. Not had the problem since. You can decide when to use the aircon or, like me, leave it on with the dash outlets closed. But In cooler conditions I can leave it off and get no problems.
Click to expand...
Funny i was going to suggest this to the forum.
 
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