I have a 2007 e86 with 100K miles. It's been mostly parked over the past few years (Southern US) and it's very recently developed symptoms that feel quite a bit like the sticky steering. However, I've read a LOT of threads about that issue, and I've seen at least a couple of posts that it was resolved with a new design in the column well before 2007. So before I start messing about with the bearing, I'd like to confirm if anyone with a later model has had this problem, or if I should be looking for something else (worn ball joints, control arms, etc).
Sticky steering in a later model?
- Thread starter Knoxes
- Start date
Supposedly revised but I had sticky steering on my 2006 3.0si although it didn't really develop until I'd had the car about 3 years and only when it was very hot weather so it didn't happen often but when it got over say 23 degrees and the car had been sat in the sun all day it would show its face.
It was very easily sorted with the forum fix though and once adjusted never had it again
It was very easily sorted with the forum fix though and once adjusted never had it again
Thanks, Tourette.
And here's the other issue - I've found at least 3 different fixes -
- tapping the bearing with a grease fitting
- rotating the bearing
- converting to hydraulic
I'm sure there are more. It's hard to get much info on the long term results as well. What's this forum's fix?
And here's the other issue - I've found at least 3 different fixes -
- tapping the bearing with a grease fitting
- rotating the bearing
- converting to hydraulic
I'm sure there are more. It's hard to get much info on the long term results as well. What's this forum's fix?
There's an eccentric ring that you can adjust in the column, awkward access but a relatively simple and costless solution 
2nd post on this thread
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100725
It can be done in situ, have a read through the thread, you may have to follow some other links to find the in situ solution
2nd post on this thread
https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=100725
It can be done in situ, have a read through the thread, you may have to follow some other links to find the in situ solution
Wow - I've read that specific thread at least twice over the past few weeks and never noticed that his was a late 2007! That's been the confusing part for me. I couldn't find anyone with later model that had these symptoms.
And I guess I meant "concentric ring" when I typed out "bearing" above. That does seem to be the predominant repair. I guess that's the least risk option at this point. If it doesn't fix the issue, it's easily reversible. At least a lot easier to reverse than a grease fitting.
And I guess I meant "concentric ring" when I typed out "bearing" above. That does seem to be the predominant repair. I guess that's the least risk option at this point. If it doesn't fix the issue, it's easily reversible. At least a lot easier to reverse than a grease fitting.
Yep.. easiest thing to try and fixes probably 99% of sticky steering issues
I’ve not had this issue with my 2004 model, may have been sorted out prior to my ownership of the car. But I have read up on it and one thing you should be aware of is since your car is a US model, as is mine, we have an airbag to deal with that most of those on this forum do not have.
From what I have read it just makes the adjustment more difficult due to space limitations. Like I said, no FHE here but just what I recall from my reading. I’m sure someone will correct or clarify if need be.
Good luck with your repair/adjustment.
From what I have read it just makes the adjustment more difficult due to space limitations. Like I said, no FHE here but just what I recall from my reading. I’m sure someone will correct or clarify if need be.
Good luck with your repair/adjustment.
Steering wheel, Yes. As I recall it was like for a knee airbag. Like I said in my previous post...no FHE just what I recall reading. I may be in error but if not its something the OP should be aware of.firebobby said: