Steering Very Stiff

[theogill]

Been noticing that my steering seems more stiff lately, even after car is warmed up. Steering also doesn't go "on center" easily/normally out of turns. What could this be?
BMW recently changed my steering rack citing leaks into my control arm bushings or something like that. I don't trust the dealer!!! So, I want to know if there are other part failures that could account for this type of steering problem.
My car has 55K on it currently--not sure when belts to steering pump need replacing. Knowing this dealer He'll tell me I need a whole new steering pump or some shit like that.

What you all think?

[supark]

If you went a long time with a leaking steering rack and drove the car with low fluid for prolonged periods, you may have fried it.

You're not losing fluid right? Also check for particulate matter in your power steering fluid - this will make steering noisier and a little higher effort.

Don't think it's your belts - if the main serpentine belt was going or the power steering pulley, you'd be hearing noise from it.

[Speedy-325is]

if the rack is good,,,,,u prolly will need a new pump. espically if u drive on low fluid...they r sensitive and will dry the pump....dead.

[theogill]

I'll check the fluid, but BMW just changed the rack in early Oct. I have no leaks, so low fluid should not be the problem, unless they forgot to top it off...I'll check.
So maybe the pump, but with only 55K pump already done?
HMMM.
Thanks. Anyone else?

[theogill]

Fluid is good.
What are symptoms of failing pump?

BUMP!!!!!

[supark]

Noise when turning the steering wheel.

If you have a new steering rack in there, they either incorrectly installed the lines going to it or the pump is failing - there really isn't anything else that could be wrong as far as I can think. Bring it back to dealership and tell them to check it out and make sure the work wasn't done wrong.