Sticky steering problem. Time to sort it! Help and advice.

Very interesting reading.

I'm a relatively new owner of an 04 3.0i and the steering has been driving me nuts.

Decided to drill the hole into the housing but what should I be looking for when I'm at the right depth? I've drilled approximately 16mm and the drill piece doesn't seem to be advancing any further so I'm assuming I've reached the steel of the shaft below. Does this sound about right?

Also the grease gets into the gear via the sides of the hole rather than the base right? Hence the need to squirt it under pressure.
 
Babw said:
Very interesting reading.

I'm a relatively new owner of an 04 3.0i and the steering has been driving me nuts.

Decided to drill the hole into the housing but what should I be looking for when I'm at the right depth? I've drilled approximately 16mm and the drill piece doesn't seem to be advancing any further so I'm assuming I've reached the steel of the shaft below. Does this sound about right?

Also the grease gets into the gear via the sides of the hole rather than the base right? Hence the need to squirt it under pressure.
Click to expand...

Yes, when the drill stops advancing you should be through the soft aluminum and hitting the steel shaft. It's time to stop before you drill into the steering shaft.
I understand the purpose of the grease zerk is to inject the grease under pressure. I did not install a zerk because I chose to use a fine oil instead of grease. I cut the end of the spray straw at 45 degrees to get it spraying to the side. Then I rotated the can and straw to try and cover all directions. Be sure to put a rag on the floor as you will get a lot of oil coming back down the hole as you spray.
Good Luck.
 
Babw said:
Very interesting reading.

I'm a relatively new owner of an 04 3.0i and the steering has been driving me nuts.

Decided to drill the hole into the housing but what should I be looking for when I'm at the right depth? I've drilled approximately 16mm and the drill piece doesn't seem to be advancing any further so I'm assuming I've reached the steel of the shaft below. Does this sound about right?

Also the grease gets into the gear via the sides of the hole rather than the base right? Hence the need to squirt it under pressure.
Click to expand...

Let us know whether it's now fixed when you get chance.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 4
 
Sounds really positive. My sticky steering went away after lubing the UJ in the engine bay.

Good to know there's a second solution if it ever comes back :thumbsup:


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Adamski said:
Sounds really positive. My sticky steering went away after lubing the UJ in the engine bay.
Click to expand...

I did this a couple of times and there was a big improvement so recently (before the recent hot weather) I replaced the lower steering shaft. The old shaft when removed had a very lumpy u/j, at the lower end I think, but since the new shaft was fitted (only about half an hours work) it has been great. Silky smooth while driving and no sign on 'stiff' steering no matter how hot it's been

Norman
 
nfarmer said:
Adamski said:
Sounds really positive. My sticky steering went away after lubing the UJ in the engine bay.
Click to expand...

I did this a couple of times and there was a big improvement so recently (before the recent hot weather) I replaced the lower steering shaft. The old shaft when removed had a very lumpy u/j, at the lower end I think, but since the new shaft was fitted (only about half an hours work) it has been great. Silky smooth while driving and no sign on 'stiff' steering no matter how hot it's been

Norman
Click to expand...

What's the part number for this?

I'm looking on Bmminiparts and there seems to be a few part numbers for this...

Thanks.
 
Sorry Peeps,

Slightly off thread, but MM mentioned using powerflex bushes in the front control arms.

Has anyone that has used these noticed any increase in noise from having the polyurethane inserts?

Or is this a daft question based upon the normal engine noise?

ND
 
nimrodsdad said:
Sorry Peeps,

Slightly off thread, but MM mentioned using powerflex bushes in the front control arms.

Has anyone that has used these noticed any increase in noise from having the polyurethane inserts?

Or is this a daft question based upon the normal engine noise?

ND
Click to expand...

It's not daft mr nimrods yes there is more noise. And more vibration but I have felt better steering feel?! Poly bushes are more extreme and not for everyone.
 
Thanks MM.

The stealers want £280 to replace with OEM parts, I was looking for alternatives, based upon doing the job myself.

Might just give it a go anyway, see what its like, and if necessary, replace with OEM parts, still be less expensive!!

ND
 
nimrodsdad said:
Thanks MM.

The stealers want £280 to replace with OEM parts, I was looking for alternatives, based upon doing the job myself.

Might just give it a go anyway, see what its like, and if necessary, replace with OEM parts, still be less expensive!!

ND
Click to expand...

Have you got a press? You will need one or something similar to fit them :thumbsup:
 
I had sticky steering ever since in bought the z, however I sprayed white grease on the steering knuckle in the engine bay and following a full clear of faults via DIS the sticky steering has gone, I did spray the knuckle a couple of times but cheap fix.
 
I've pretty much tried everything now and the sticky steering is still very much blunting the dynamics.

Things attempted so far
1. Drilling and grease fitting into column
2. New FCA and bushings
3. New tie rods
4. Coilovers


On wednesday hoping to have a new lower steering joint fitted.

I will check and clear faults with DIS and also try a whole new alignment + corner weighting but I feel a newer model steering column is the only sure answer.

Would be great to hear from people who have replaced their column outside of warranty and any recommendations/advice.

Thanks.
 
Just one thing I have noticed that no one else has mentioned. Mine is heat related. I have a 2003 2.5 auto. When the problem is happening, if I switch it to sport mode then back to normal the symptoms disappear for a minute or so. Then it returns. I think this suggests an electronic problem in my case. Anyone else had this ?
 
What are peoples experiences with used columns?

Are breakers generally aware of the lock pin or do most remove without it?

I'm a little dubious when I haven't seen the column being removed myself....
 
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