E39 Heavy Steering

[arh]

Hi
I've got an 1999 E39 523i fitted with Mtec suspension and 18" alloy wheels. Over the past few days I have noticed that the steering has become somewhat heavy. The feel is constant but I can feel a little more resistance than normal when turning. There is no noise, no change with speed and the power fluid level is fine.
Any ideas on what the problem could be? The car is fitted with servotronic (variable) steering.

Thanks.

[arh]

I've shown 2 mechanics. One says it could be the pump but I should consider getting the fluid changed first or It could even be the rack. The other mechanic says hes not sure if its the rack or the pump. Does anyone have any further thoughts? Could it be bushes or the ball joints?

[///Matt]

I dont think that it's the bushes. The ball joints cant really get damaged in a way to cause difficult steering. (unless of course you feel like burying your front end in the back of a truck) I would think it would be the pump. Question: When you turn the wheel, can you turn it a small distance (1/4 - 1 inch) before it becomes sluggish, or is it a constant?

[sp0rky]

Has it been there since the new wheels?

New wheels / lower suspension will definately make the steering harder to turn.

[arh]

The wheels and suspension have been on the car since new. The steering feels more normal if I adjust the steering wheel but then after a few seconds it becomes a bit heavy again. Not really much difference if you turn a small distance. I have noticed that the steering does feel a bit more normal at times so the the problem is not always constant as I first thought. Could it be dirty fluid?

[billB]

Originally posted by arh@Jan 29 2005, 08:54 PM
The wheels and suspension have been on the car since new.* The steering feels more normal if I adjust the steering wheel but then after a few seconds it becomes a bit heavy again. Not really much difference if you turn a small distance. I have noticed that the steering does feel a bit more normal at times so the the problem is not always constant as I first thought. Could it be dirty fluid?

[snapback]281809[/snapback]

The symptoms don't include any unusual noise from the pump/pulley/bearing/belts. As you suspected above; start troubleshooting by changing the fluid 1st. Not much money and possibly is due for a change. Then take it from there.

good luck
billb

[Qamar]

Originally posted by billB+Jan 30 2005, 12:59 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(billB @ Jan 30 2005, 12:59 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-arh@Jan 29 2005, 08:54 PM
The wheels and suspension have been on the car since new.* The steering feels more normal if I adjust the steering wheel but then after a few seconds it becomes a bit heavy again. Not really much difference if you turn a small distance. I have noticed that the steering does feel a bit more normal at times so the the problem is not always constant as I first thought. Could it be dirty fluid?

[snapback]281809[/snapback]

The symptoms don't include any unusual noise from the pump/pulley/bearing/belts. As you suspected above; start troubleshooting by changing the fluid 1st. Not much money and possibly is due for a change. Then take it from there.

good luck
billb

[snapback]281869[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]
Hi Guys

I have 530i, V-8, 1995 model. i also feel that the steering is slightly heavier. the car has done 107000 Km to date and the powere steering oil has never been changed.
Can anyone guide me that this heavines is on account of not changing the fluid. If yes then pl tell me as how to do that.
Worm regards
Qamar

[billB]

Originally posted by Qamar+Feb 1 2005, 06:35 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Qamar @ Feb 1 2005, 06:35 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>

The symptoms don't include any unusual noise from the pump/pulley/bearing/belts. As you suspected above; start troubleshooting by changing the fluid 1st. Not much money and possibly is due for a change. Then take it from there.

good luck
billb

[snapback]281869[/snapback]

Hi Guys

I have 530i, V-8, 1995 model. i also feel that the steering is slightly heavier. the car has done 107000 Km to date and the powere steering oil has never been changed.
Can anyone guide me that this heavines is on account of not changing the fluid. If yes then pl tell me as how to do that.
Worm regards
Qamar

[snapback]283854[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]


Heavy steering can be caused by worn strut top bearings in high mileage cars; also can be due to a fluid/reservoir problems. You may want to consider flushing or replace the power steering fluids/ at least for now.

P.s. Extra big tires may also contribute to heavy steering compared with the stock wheels/tires.

regards
billb

[Qamar]

Originally posted by billB+Feb 1 2005, 08:20 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(billB @ Feb 1 2005, 08:20 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>

Hi Guys

I have 530i, V-8, 1995 model. i also feel that the steering is slightly heavier. the car has done 107000 Km to date and the powere steering oil has never been changed.
Can anyone guide me that this heavines is on account of not changing the fluid. If yes then pl tell me as how to do that.
Worm regards
Qamar

[snapback]283854[/snapback]

Heavy steering can be caused by worn strut top bearings in high mileage cars; also can be due to a fluid/reservoir problems. You may want to consider flushing or replace the power steering fluids/ at least for now.

P.s. Extra big tires may also contribute to heavy steering compared with the stock wheels/tires.

regards
billb

[snapback]284048[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]
Thanks Billb. My problem is solved after changing the power steering oil.
Regards
Qamar

[billB]

Originally posted by Qamar+Feb 2 2005, 04:31 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Qamar @ Feb 2 2005, 04:31 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>

Heavy steering can be caused by worn strut top bearings in high mileage cars; also can be due to a fluid/reservoir problems. You may want to consider flushing or replace the power steering fluids/ at least for now.

P.s. Extra big tires may also contribute to heavy steering compared with the stock wheels/tires.

regards
billb

[snapback]284048[/snapback]

Thanks Billb. My problem is solved after changing the power steering oil.
Regards
Qamar

[snapback]284409[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

Glad it is sorted out

Note: I sent you a PM/Email with further info. did you recieve it?
regards
billb

[arh]

Originally posted by billB+Feb 2 2005, 05:01 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(billB @ Feb 2 2005, 05:01 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'>

Thanks Billb. My problem is solved after changing the power steering oil.
Regards
Qamar

[snapback]284409[/snapback]

Glad it is sorted out

Note: I sent you a PM/Email with further info. did you recieve it?
regards
billb

[snapback]284421[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

Hi

Does anyone have instructions on how to do this or is it best to get it done by a garage?
ARH.

[billB]

Well..you may want to consider either:

1. take the little hose from the buttom of the canister out..this will drain the fluid.

2. Or do what I do using what I call the "Turkey baster" which sucks out all the fluids out of the canister then refill with fresh fluids.

Note: make sure you read what it says on the reservior cap..either ATF or Power fluid.
regards
billb