95 M3 Steering Problem - BMW Forum

thekid · 06-20-2008, 05:23 PM

So about a month or so back I noticed that at low speeds if I had to turn the wheel quickly that something did not quite feel right. I figured it was the power steering and didn't really worry about it since it was only if I was driving "spirited". However, after my trip to US129 and associated fun I have notice that if I turn the wheel while going "fast around a corner" that for a little while the steering feels coarse... like the wheel is not turning smoothly. There is also a bit of a whine when turning the wheel that sounds like it may be coming from behind the steering wheel/column.

My question is, does this sound like a steering column problem or the rack/pinion? I know either way it will be expensive. Also about how long should I have if I go easy with her?

darkhorse737 · 06-20-2008, 07:49 PM

just a thought... have you checked your power steering fluid lately???? :-)

thekid · 06-21-2008, 06:51 PM

Fluid is fine. I am thinking perhaps a tensioner is on it's way out.

drz · 06-21-2008, 11:48 PM

I have teh same problem on my 328. The car is in Arkansas, so I probably won't get to troubleshoot it for a while. Let me know if you find out what is up.

thekid · 06-22-2008, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drz

I have teh same problem on my 328. The car is in Arkansas, so I probably won't get to troubleshoot it for a while. Let me know if you find out what is up.

If you can get the car to conway I know a mechanic there.

drz · 06-22-2008, 07:46 PM

Thanks man. I'll let you know. For now, I am simply stashing it there for teh time being.

stingoes · 07-19-2008, 03:54 AM

I think i have the same problem on my 1998 323i. Same problem as you and I also notice i can feel alot more road vibration through the steering wheel now too.

thekid · 07-19-2008, 11:15 PM

The tensioner/bearing for the aux belt fixed it. My hydraulic tensioner was also bad.

drz · 07-19-2008, 11:32 PM

Aux belt

darkhorse737 · 07-20-2008, 10:35 AM

I understand a loose or faulty belt to drive a power steering pump will cause noisy operation and hard steering; but a belt problem will make a car go fast in the corners?????

Unless you are alluding to the idea that because of a loose belt, the p/s pump turns erratically; I don't think so...

thekid · 07-20-2008, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkhorse737

I understand a loose or faulty belt to drive a power steering pump will cause noisy operation and hard steering; but a belt problem will make a car go fast in the corners?????

Unless you are alluding to the idea that because of a loose belt, the p/s pump turns erratically; I don't think so...

I am not sure that you understand English.

If you re-read the post you might see that I am referring to what happens when the car "goes fast around corners". The cause of the car going fast around corners is me. The effect is that the steering feels coarse and some noise is made.

And it has been fixed.

thekid · 07-20-2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drz

Aux belt

Which belt that this that does the powersteering etc. Don't remember the names for the belts.