Sticky Steering now FIXED!!!!!!!

[nfarmer]

Well having had a few days of scorching temperatures I'm now happy that my sticky sreering is FIXED.

What did I do;
step one Indy upgraded ECU software to latest version - distinct but small improvement,
step two Greased upper and lower U/J's on lower steering column - distinct but small improvement,
step three Greased upper and lower U/J's on lower steering column again and again - distinct but small improvement,
step three Had grease nipple fitted to worm gear box on steering column - definite and very noticeable improvement.

Car parked in direct sunlight for the last week or so getting very hot, up to 30 degrees showing on display.

No stiffness at all - a result thanks to all those on here who gave advice and guidance

Thank guys

Norman

 

[Bumpy]

Would love a pic of the location of the grease nipple fitted to the worm gear box on the steering column.

Cheers
Bumpy

 

[nfarmer]

Would love a pic of the location of the grease nipple fitted to the worm gear box on the steering column.

Cheers
Bumpy

Send me your email address and I'll send the 'instructions' I gave to my local mechanic to fit it, includes photos etc

 

[Grumpyowl]

Do you know what grease they used ?

 

[Babw]

I've sent you a PM regarding this. My car is near undriveable at the moment with this problem, in the morning fine but by the afternoon after it's been sitting in the sun a total nightmare.

 

[nfarmer]

Do you know what grease they used ?

Sorry no

 

[Babw]

Norman has some very useful information regarding this issue and a possible fix. Unfortunately for me a new steering column was the answer, waiting with baited breath until the car returns to what will hopefully be a whole new driving experience.

I would advice anyone buying one of these to at least take the car for a 2 hour test drive, with my fault it would always start with normal feeling steering but after about 1 hour drive the steering would stiffen up considerably. When the steering did work I was actually quite pleased with the feel/weight, seemed to have less "slack" than BMW hydraulic systems.

 

[Nelly Welly]

Can I get the instructions to get this fix in place ?

Thanks

 

[nfarmer]

Can I get the instructions to get this fix in place ?

Thanks

Send me your email address and I'll send the 'instructions' I gave to my local mechanic to fit it, includes photos etc

 

[wowser]

Could you also pm me a link for this fix.
Thanks

 

[nfarmer]

Could you also pm me a link for this fix.
Thanks

Its on my PC so if you PM me your email address and I'll send the 'instructions' I gave to my local mechanic to fit it, includes photos etc

 

[Babw]

Update -

Had a new steering column and lower UJ fitted at BMW. Like having a completely different car, can't believe I didn't get it done sooner!

 

[nfarmer]

Update -

Had a new steering column and lower UJ fitted at BMW. Like having a completely different car, can't believe I didn't get it done sooner!

Out of curiosity how much did it all cost?

 

[VENDAR]

you got PM

 

[Babw]

Update -

Had a new steering column and lower UJ fitted at BMW. Like having a completely different car, can't believe I didn't get it done sooner!

Out of curiosity how much did it all cost?

It was fairly expensive, the column itself was £2150, UJ £150 and about 4 hours labour to fit and code. Not much change from
£3000.

 

[dursley]

Hello,
I too have this sticky steering problem that occurs particularly when hot but never fully returns to 'normal'. I have read accounts elsewhere concerning the fix and have the tools necessary. But I would really like some photos and a step-by-step account of the fix. For instance how does the panel under the steering column remove? There's a lot of plastic around the steering column but no obvious way to remove it!
Please could some kind person send me the pics and instructions?
Many Thanks...

 

[Grumpyowl]

I can't do the photos for you, however there are 3 screw at the bottom of the main panel and 1 that holds the smaller cowel.

 

[nfarmer]

Hello,
I too have this sticky steering problem that occurs particularly when hot but never fully returns to 'normal'. I have read accounts elsewhere concerning the fix and have the tools necessary. But I would really like some photos and a step-by-step account of the fix. For instance how does the panel under the steering column remove? There's a lot of plastic around the steering column but no obvious way to remove it!
Please could some kind person send me the pics and instructions?
Many Thanks...

Its not a proper 'How to' but I do have some notes which were sufficient for a non specialist (but good) general mechanic, if you PM me your email address I would be happy to send you a copy

norman

 

[Wrighty z4]

Hi guys i seem to have the same problem with my 2003 z4 steering , notchy hard to drive at speed & obviously worse with increased temprature .
I have looked at this forum and have seen a fix with a grease nipple , is there anyone who can help with where the the grease nipple should be installed on the column ?
Thanks
Julian

 

[Kamuela]

Don't waste your time with the grease nipple thing. It's like a bandage on a brain tumor, doesn't fix the actual problem and is harder to do than the actual adjustment.