X5 Stiff Steering

[Chris Tulk]

I am having intermittent issues with stiff steering. Its not always I the same position of the turn of the wheel. The fluid level is fine. Any idea's of what could be the problem?

[hlgilbert]

You too? Mine has been a problem for a year or more. I found a control arm had a split in the bearing seal and it looked rusty and replaced them and it seemed okay for a while, then began doing it again. No one has a clue. I have had it nearly dismantled. One mechanic said the steering rack and I was going to replace it, then found what a hassle it was. You have to lift the engine.

Mine will occasionally get very stiff. I am reminded of a boat steering, where you have a friction knob to tighten to keep the wheel from steering itself off course when you let go of the wheel. My X5 will get harder and harder to steer if I am stuck in traffic and it gets hot under the hood.

It could be the telescopic part, but mine broke and I had it replaced and no difference. The control arms helped, but not for long. But there are only so many parts that could go wrong. The pump should either work or not work, and should not make a difference. I plan to try teflon lubricant on everything I can get to this weekend.

When it is stiff, wherever I turn the wheel to and let go, it will stay there. Won't recenter, keeps going in circles. Terrible to drive on the highway in windy weather.

Sound like your problem? I have researched everywhere. The mechanic says he has not replaced a rack in 20 years and to keep looking for a cause, but I'm stumped.

Please pass along any suggestions.

Thanks!

Lin

[Chris Tulk]

That is the exact problem I have. My mechanic sprayed something and it seemed to make it a better but definatley no where near right. The boat analogy is a very good one! If the your problem goes away after you spray everything please let me know. I will have my mechanic spray my frigin truck! it very annoying! If we figure it out I will sure to post the solution.

Thanks for the reply.

[hlgilbert]

Unfortunately, the binding part seems to be inside the rack, hidden behind the boots, and I didn't want to try slipping a little WD 40 hose in there. I'm getting another opinion (the 4th?) tomorrow or the next day. It is suddenly getting worse quickly, and I don't want it to reach the stage of dangerous. Its already a PITA.

I'll post whatever the new mechanic says.

[hlgilbert]

The dealer said they would give me a break on labor and I could buy my own rack, but then I would be exposed to another labor charge if the part failed. I got one bid from an indy for about $2,400, as he said he would want to replace the pump and reservior if he did it. Logical. But I made an appointment with an indy to replace the rack alone for about $1,350. 12 month warranty. New ZF rack. He said the pump seemed fine. I may ask him to replace the reservior, as that holds the filter. About $50, depending on brand, plus labor. I'll wait on the pump. At 200,000 miles, a number of things are about to wear out, but I have had cars in the past and decided to do PM and replaced a lot of things, only to tire of the car and buy a new one, right after spending a few thousand on things that could have lasted quite a while, So this time I'll just replace things as they are for sure worn out.

I'll post whether it cures the stiff steering problem.

[hlgilbert]

I picked it up today. New steering rack. First time I've been able to easily turn the wheel with one hand in a long time. Not that any BMW is as easy as most cars. Snaps back to center. Still feels a bit weird, but I think its because I got so used to it being stiff. So far so good. Cost $1,400.

[hlgilbert]

I had it aligned and its back to normal. Finally. Near perfect.