steering wheel resistance when turning

adr1974 · 05-06-2009, 08:25 AM

So a few weeks ago I noticed (for lack of a better description) 'patches of resistance' when turning my wheel (mostly to the left). It doesn't happen every time I turn left, and for the most part it's pretty subtle, but there's definitely a brief second where, when turning left, I feel like I need to exert slightly more than normal amount of effort. This morning when I pulled into the parking space it was noticeably worse -- almost felt like the wheel was going to lock up on me for a second, but it didn't.

I made an appointment to have my car serviced, but in the interim, has anyone ever dealt with something like this, or have any idea what it might be?

Thanks,

Adam

noro · 05-06-2009, 10:43 AM

It is most likely an issue with the steering rack. Thought it is possible that the actual strut bearing or the ball joint on the bottom have some sort of a problem which makes the rotation of the wheel more difficult. Check your power steering fluid level.

Spydeputy · 05-07-2009, 04:50 AM

adr1974, like noro stated. check the fluid 1st. then it's time to get the alignment checked. if nothing is found wrong w/ the suspension, then it's in the steering rack.
when it's up on the lift w/ the wheels hanging free see if you feel it then. or should say, see if they feel it. unless you got assess to a lift.

adr1974 · 05-07-2009, 07:54 AM

Thanks guys. I'm having new wheels and tires put on tomorrow (nothing fancy, just upgrading the 188s to 189s and taking off the RFTs in favor of some Michelin Pilot Sport A/S). It's a weird sensation, because it's not consistent -- I won't feel it at all, and then all of a sudden (usually when making a slow left turn) I'll feel it. I have an appointment to take it in for service on Tuesday, so I'll drive it thru the weekend and if it happens again I'll definitely take it in.

Again, appreciate the help.

Adam

adr1974 · 05-12-2009, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by noro

It is most likely an issue with the steering rack. Thought it is possible that the actual strut bearing or the ball joint on the bottom have some sort of a problem which makes the rotation of the wheel more difficult. Check your power steering fluid level.

Good call, Noro -- that's exactly what it was! Took it in to VOB BMW today, and they replaced the steering rack.

edb5020 · 05-12-2009, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adr1974

So a few weeks ago I noticed (for lack of a better description) 'patches of resistance' when turning my wheel (mostly to the left). It doesn't happen every time I turn left, and for the most part it's pretty subtle, but there's definitely a brief second where, when turning left, I feel like I need to exert slightly more than normal amount of effort. This morning when I pulled into the parking space it was noticeably worse -- almost felt like the wheel was going to lock up on me for a second, but it didn't.

I made an appointment to have my car serviced, but in the interim, has anyone ever dealt with something like this, or have any idea what it might be?

Thanks,

Adam

OP, did you hit any large potholes or anything you can think of that could have caused this? Did the SA at the dealership tell you how that might have heppened to the steering rack?

adr1974 · 05-12-2009, 04:06 PM

None that I can think of. I'll ask the SA what might have been the cause when I pick up the car.

Frenk · 11-28-2014, 03:51 PM

I got the same problem. Except it is a lot worse than described here. There's also a metallic sound when turning on both side.

The resistance is at worse when doing a complete 90degrees turn.

any idea... i will check the steering fluid.

Could it be the diff ? I hope not ...

GMe90 · 11-29-2014, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adr1974

Thanks guys. I'm having new wheels and tires put on tomorrow (nothing fancy, just upgrading the 188s to 189s and taking off the RFTs in favor of some Michelin Pilot Sport A/S). It's a weird sensation, because it's not consistent -- I won't feel it at all, and then all of a sudden (usually when making a slow left turn) I'll feel it. I have an appointment to take it in for service on Tuesday, so I'll drive it thru the weekend and if it happens again I'll definitely take it in.

Again, appreciate the help.

Adam

You will love the Michelins. They will make the steering wheel a bit easier to turn.

Frenk · 11-29-2014, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frenk

I got the same problem. Except it is a lot worse than described here. There's also a metallic sound when turning on both side.

The resistance is at worse when doing a complete 90degrees turn.

any idea... i will check the steering fluid.

Could it be the diff ? I hope not ...

steering fluid is OK. Anyone please ??

05-06-2009, 08:25 AM	#1
adr1974 Lieutenant 128 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 xDrive 40i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	steering wheel resistance when turning So a few weeks ago I noticed (for lack of a better description) 'patches of resistance' when turning my wheel (mostly to the left). It doesn't happen every time I turn left, and for the most part it's pretty subtle, but there's definitely a brief second where, when turning left, I feel like I need to exert slightly more than normal amount of effort. This morning when I pulled into the parking space it was noticeably worse -- almost felt like the wheel was going to lock up on me for a second, but it didn't. I made an appointment to have my car serviced, but in the interim, has anyone ever dealt with something like this, or have any idea what it might be? Thanks, Adam
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05-06-2009, 10:43 AM	#2
noro Colonel 90 Rep 2,707 Posts Drives: '91 M3, '04 E46 ZHP, '72 2002 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	It is most likely an issue with the steering rack. Thought it is possible that the actual strut bearing or the ball joint on the bottom have some sort of a problem which makes the rotation of the wheel more difficult. Check your power steering fluid level. __________________ zhpregistry.net - ZHP stats and free classifieds.
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05-07-2009, 04:50 AM	#3
Spydeputy Brigadier General 205 Rep 3,523 Posts Drives: 2015 F23 M235i/2008,E90,335xi Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The County, Maryland iTrader: (19) Garage List 2017 X5 M Sport Pac ... [0.00] 2015 M235i, F23 [0.00]	adr1974, like noro stated. check the fluid 1st. then it's time to get the alignment checked. if nothing is found wrong w/ the suspension, then it's in the steering rack. when it's up on the lift w/ the wheels hanging free see if you feel it then. or should say, see if they feel it. unless you got assess to a lift.
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05-07-2009, 07:54 AM	#4
adr1974 Lieutenant 128 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 xDrive 40i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys. I'm having new wheels and tires put on tomorrow (nothing fancy, just upgrading the 188s to 189s and taking off the RFTs in favor of some Michelin Pilot Sport A/S). It's a weird sensation, because it's not consistent -- I won't feel it at all, and then all of a sudden (usually when making a slow left turn) I'll feel it. I have an appointment to take it in for service on Tuesday, so I'll drive it thru the weekend and if it happens again I'll definitely take it in. Again, appreciate the help. Adam
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05-12-2009, 04:06 PM	#7
adr1974 Lieutenant 128 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 xDrive 40i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	None that I can think of. I'll ask the SA what might have been the cause when I pick up the car.
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11-28-2014, 03:51 PM	#8
Frenk Captain 33 Rep 655 Posts Drives: e92 328i X-Drive M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Québec iTrader: (0)	I got the same problem. Except it is a lot worse than described here. There's also a metallic sound when turning on both side. The resistance is at worse when doing a complete 90degrees turn. any idea... i will check the steering fluid. Could it be the diff ? I hope not ...
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