Help with power steering problem - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

alquazi · 14th January 2009, 01:44

I've had this problem for about 4 months and I think it's getting more noticable. Every time I have the "Sport" button on (always) and I turn the steering wheel, I feel that the steering wheels sticks or kind of locks while I'm turning for a second. It does not stop turning, but gets very hard to turn for a second and then kind of unlocks and turns with ease. The problem started on left hand turns only, but now happens on right hand turns as well. It doesn't happen all the time, probabley about 10% of the time when I go arount tight turns or roundabouts. The problem seems to go away with the "Sport" button off. I did change the power steering hoses 2 months ago because of leaks.
Any suggestions on what could cause this?

Thanks

Redneck M5 · 14th January 2009, 02:01

Two things come to mind:

Check the power steering fluid level in the resevoir.

Check the tension of the power steering pump belt.

Strike · 14th January 2009, 17:40

I would also make sure that you properly bled all of the air bubbles out of the fluid when it was refilled after replacing the lines. You have to continually turn the wheel from lock-to-lock for a few minutes and keep checking and topping off the level.

kosmo · 14th January 2009, 18:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Strike

I would also make sure that you properly bled all of the air bubbles out of the fluid when it was refilled after replacing the lines. You have to continually turn the wheel from lock-to-lock for a few minutes and keep checking and topping off the level.

+1

M540i · 15th January 2009, 05:57

I am not sure if this is an isolated issue to your vehicle, but for many Z4s, the steering rack had to be replaced due to this. The complaint that you described having is something that many owners experienced. Please note that very warm climates affected this more than warm ones. If I was to take any kind of guess, I would say that Dubai is rather warm. Back to the dealer it goes. But first verify the fluid in the reservoir and drive belt tension is adequate as "Strike" recommends.

Infamous Q · 15th January 2009, 19:53

I have the same problem.