Steering Z4

[mike6767]

Hi. New to group and Z4s.
The steering feels fine around town but on motorway it’s very light and difficult to keep in a straight line. Slight wind and permanently correcting the wheel. Any help greatly appreciated as would like to take on a track day but don’t feel comfortable as it is ???

 

[AveZ4coop]

Well documented problem with the Z4 (e85/86). Are you running run-flats, as these make the problem much worse. If so, consider changing for standard tyres and purchasing a space saver spare for the boot. Check all Tyre pressures are correct, as even a few PSI too low (including back Tyres) makes this problem worse. Can also be caused by worn lollipop bushes (rear bushes on front suspension wishbones). Many threads on here about 'tramlining'. You can also adjust the slip ring on the steering column but I resolved mine with new tyres.

 

[futureZ4buyer]

Well documented problem with the Z4 (e85/86). Are you running run-flats, as these make the problem much worse. If so, consider changing for standard tyres and purchasing a space saver spare for the boot. Check all Tyre pressures are correct, as even a few PSI too low (including back Tyres) makes this problem worse. Can also be caused by worn lollipop bushes (rear bushes on front suspension wishbones). Many threads on here about 'tramlining'. You can also adjust the slip ring on the steering column but I resolved mine with new tyres.

+ do a wheel alignment. I am on normal tyres and stock suspension and the car was stable at 135 MPH (in Mexico ), so you have to check your car.

 

[Usel]

You need to get the ring adjusted on the steering column.

[Ref]enuff_zed[/ref] will explain how to do it

 

[enuff_zed]

You need to get the ring adjusted on the steering column.

[Ref]enuff_zed[/ref] will explain how to do it

Yes I can do that. Easiest is to pm me your mobile and I can Whatsapp chat you through it.

 

[mike6767]

Thanks for the reply. I think Ive printed a photo of the ring thing. 2 allen nuts , How far to move ?

 

[enuff_zed]

Thanks for the reply. I think Ive printed a photo of the ring thing. 2 allen nuts , How far to move ?

UK versions usually have torx head bolts. Difficult to get a socket on but I discovered a Halfords 8mm ratchet ring spanner works. Easiest with the steering wheel adjusted fully down and back towards the seat.
Mark a datum on the motor and spacer first. Slacken the bolts only just a little bit. Get a suitable tool on the bottom edge of the spacer ring and tap it away from you, towards the pedals. Then tighten the bolts and terst drive. Leave the trims off in case it needs a bit more adjustment. I usually do an initial tweak of around 8mm and very occasionally have to add a bit more, but more often than not i find that cures it.

 

[mike6767]

Thanks. I’ll let you know the outcome.Away for a couple of weeks but will sort on return..

 

[x-driver]

Is this ring adjustment the same as for the sticky steering problem or is it something else?

 

[mike6767]

Mine is just very light so at speed on motorway I’m just adjusting left and right to keep in straight line

 

[enuff_zed]

Is this ring adjustment the same as for the sticky steering problem or is it something else?

Same thing

 

[FunkyGBrown]

Is this ring adjustment the same as for the sticky steering problem or is it something else?

Yes same thing. I really struggled to tame mine though.

In the end I sent it all the way in the opposite direction to what is suggested, and then made tiny incremental changes in the suggested direction. It's currently not perfect, but 100% better than it was.

 

[x-driver]

And how does this adjustment help with keeping a straight line on motorway? Does it just harden the rotation or what does it do? I'd guess to solve the sticky steering you'd have to soften the rotation.

My Z can be a little nervous on motorway, but nothing too bad. I haven't encountered the sticky steering yet, however it happens every now and then that I get that rubbing squeeky noise from underneath the steering wheel when manouvering. I think it only happens after turning on the car, later it doesn't make any sound.
Is it also to be solved with ring adjustment or should I just put some grease in there?

 

[enuff_zed]

It adjusts the mesh between the gears. Ideally, in the straight ahead you want a tiny gap between them. If there is any contact then it feeds back adjustments all the time.
Sticky steering is a bit of a misnomer really. It usually manifests itself in the twitchiness that is being described.

 

[x-driver]

So that screeching sound I have is actually the so called sticky steering?

I remember reading about the sticky steering problem as something actually dangerous. People encountered sudden stiff steering while driving that could potentially cause someone to drive off the road. If I remember correctly it was said to occur on hot days in summer.

 

[firefoxchris]

I have the exact same problem in my Z4. @enuff_zed I dont really have the confidence to be messing with mine, what should I tell a garage if I send it in? Just "steering wheel column ring adjustment"?

I told them to check the steering previously and they said it was "fine", but I doubt that they actually gave it any proper testing - as many say, its at higher speeds generally that its quite twitchy / tramlining.

Thanks as always!

 

[enuff_zed]

I have the exact same problem in my Z4. @enuff_zed I dont really have the confidence to be messing with mine, what should I tell a garage if I send it in? Just "steering wheel column ring adjustment"?

I told them to check the steering previously and they said it was "fine", but I doubt that they actually gave it any proper testing - as many say, its at higher speeds generally that its quite twitchy / tramlining.

Thanks as always!

First find a garage that understands the system. Don't tell them what you think needs doing, see if they have enough knowledge to bring it up.
Could ask them if they have worked on BMW EPS before.
Then basically show them the text I wrote a few posts back on this thread.
I have a complete column out of a car in my garage, so I could send a few photos to make it obvious.

Of course the other thing is to see if any other members are near you who could do it.
How far are you from [ref]bigwinn[/ref] in Lincoln?

 

[mike6767]

Great please add photos

 

[legin]

I will just add to reconfirm what others have said , my steering had the so called sticky problem as the ambient temperature went up especially- plastic expands a lot so a poor choice. Technically it hangs up then suddenly releases and this gives the high speed tram lining effect but actually it's swerving. I have backed it off and now only need one hand on the wheel totally fine and steering feel is much better also. Slight tram lining that remained at low speed was down to one failed lollipop hydraulic mount but much less noticeable than the steering column.

 

[enuff_zed]

I will just add to reconfirm what others have said , my steering had the so called sticky problem as the ambient temperature went up especially- plastic expands a lot so a poor choice. Technically it hangs up then suddenly releases and this gives the high speed tram lining effect but actually it's swerving. I have backed it off and now only need one hand on the wheel totally fine and steering feel is much better also. Slight tram lining that remained at low speed was down to one failed lollipop hydraulic mount but much less noticeable than the steering column.

Glad you got it fixed but which bits do you mean by ‘plastic’?