Power steering problem!! - BMW Forum

daycm1 · 08-21-2009, 10:30 AM

Hi guys,

Another issue I have with my 540ia is my power steering! It seems to be fine when the car is still cold but when driven for 10-15 mins or so when it's just getting up to normal temp it sometimes locks the steering as though there is no power steering! So then becomes difficult to manoevre the car at slow speeds. It also seems to do it on quick acceleration say when going on a motorway which I think is correct but again doesn't release when coming off to drive at 30mph etc.

It's really starting to bug me now as when I come home and try and park it's virtually impossible to get the car where I want it!!!

Has anyone heard or had this problem themselves? Could it be that the power steering pump is on it's way out? Also could it be something to do with the steering box? I do need a new one because there is quite a bit of play on it so looking for one anyway (any ideas of who might have a recon or second hand for sale? I'm in Leicester, UK)

Any help or advice on this would be great as I'm struggling to drive it!

Thanks,
Damon

darkhorse737 · 08-21-2009, 10:58 AM

check for external leaks first.

then check fluid levels. replenish as necessary.

Then.... u can peer into the steering reservoir hole and check for the oil churning in the reservoir. If u don't see any oil movement, then steering pump is failing or has failed.

***warm engine at idle - what is your RPM?
***while at idle and you turn steering wheel - does RPM go up , remain steady, or go down?

if u can rev the engine(or get an assistant) to rev ur rngine at idle while looking into the reservoir.... is there a marked difference in the oil movement?

if little or no discernable difference - it's a confirmation that pump is out.

if movement of oil is markedly increased - then the problem might be line blockage or the rack and pinion assembly is the part at fault.

How is quality of oil? if dark brown to black, I recommend a thorough flush first then re-test. Check for metal in power steering oil...

jimoreno · 08-21-2009, 03:01 PM

Have you checked your belt? Maybe the tensioner needs some re-adjusting.