Power steering issue- works when it is raining out?!

StealYourFace · 03-31-2015, 08:21 AM

Hey guys,

Recently my power steering started to act up- it is super stiff as if there is no assist. The other day when it was raining out, the steering came back- so I figured that a belt and belt tensioner would solve that issue.

Nope.

I had my belt and tensioner done at the same time as my valve cover gasket (it needed it anyway, it's been almost 80k miles) but the problem persists.

Any ideas? It is supposed to rain thursday, it will be interesting to see if it comes back again.

* The fluid is relatively fresh- I do the turkey baster method every oil change.

ellinara · 04-01-2015, 03:15 AM

I would try doing a power steering flush. My power steering was moaning badly and my engine was not running smoothly. After I performed the flush, my steering was smoother and consistent, there was no stuttering from the engine and my fuel economy increased dramatically. No guarantees but it might be worth a shot considering the cost of a new pump or power steering.

Southjersey128 · 04-01-2015, 10:41 AM

My shop put a steering shaft in an '07 e90 the other day. One of the universal joints was bad. I've noticed that these can feel tighter with change in temp when they are bad. Best way to check easily is to see if it gets tighter and then looser when it reaches a certain spot. For instance, it feels tight at the 2oclock position and then feels looser at the 3oclock position. It can definitely feel like a pump or fluid issue, but is actually in the shaft.

StealYourFace · 04-01-2015, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southjersey128

My shop put a steering shaft in an '07 e90 the other day. One of the universal joints was bad. I've noticed that these can feel tighter with change in temp when they are bad. Best way to check easily is to see if it gets tighter and then looser when it reaches a certain spot. For instance, it feels tight at the 2oclock position and then feels looser at the 3oclock position. It can definitely feel like a pump or fluid issue, but is actually in the shaft.

Thanks, will check!

StealYourFace · 04-02-2015, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southjersey128

My shop put a steering shaft in an '07 e90 the other day. One of the universal joints was bad. I've noticed that these can feel tighter with change in temp when they are bad. Best way to check easily is to see if it gets tighter and then looser when it reaches a certain spot. For instance, it feels tight at the 2oclock position and then feels looser at the 3oclock position. It can definitely feel like a pump or fluid issue, but is actually in the shaft.

Some penetrating oil on the lower u joint solved the problem (for now) But I am happy to know it will be a simple and not that pricey of a fix.

Southjersey128 · 04-02-2015, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StealYourFace

Quote:

Originally Posted by Southjersey128

My shop put a steering shaft in an '07 e90 the other day. One of the universal joints was bad. I've noticed that these can feel tighter with change in temp when they are bad. Best way to check easily is to see if it gets tighter and then looser when it reaches a certain spot. For instance, it feels tight at the 2oclock position and then feels looser at the 3oclock position. It can definitely feel like a pump or fluid issue, but is actually in the shaft.

Some penetrating oil on the lower u joint solved the problem (for now) But I am happy to know it will be a simple and not that pricey of a fix.

Nice, glad you could pinpoint it. Don't put it off for to long tho

03-31-2015, 08:21 AM	#1
StealYourFace Lieutenant Colonel 261 Rep 1,794 Posts Drives: F30 328i M 6mt, E36 M3 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Shakedown Street, Buffalo NY iTrader: (1)	Power steering issue- works when it is raining out?! Hey guys, Recently my power steering started to act up- it is super stiff as if there is no assist. The other day when it was raining out, the steering came back- so I figured that a belt and belt tensioner would solve that issue. Nope. I had my belt and tensioner done at the same time as my valve cover gasket (it needed it anyway, it's been almost 80k miles) but the problem persists. Any ideas? It is supposed to rain thursday, it will be interesting to see if it comes back again. * The fluid is relatively fresh- I do the turkey baster method every oil change. __________________
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04-01-2015, 03:15 AM	#2
ellinara Enlisted Member 11 Rep 41 Posts Drives: 08 E92 335i/08 R56 Cooper S Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Toronto, Ontario iTrader: (0)	I would try doing a power steering flush. My power steering was moaning badly and my engine was not running smoothly. After I performed the flush, my steering was smoother and consistent, there was no stuttering from the engine and my fuel economy increased dramatically. No guarantees but it might be worth a shot considering the cost of a new pump or power steering.
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04-01-2015, 10:41 AM	#3
Southjersey128 Second Lieutenant 43 Rep 272 Posts Drives: 2008 128i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: South Jersey iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 128i [10.00]	My shop put a steering shaft in an '07 e90 the other day. One of the universal joints was bad. I've noticed that these can feel tighter with change in temp when they are bad. Best way to check easily is to see if it gets tighter and then looser when it reaches a certain spot. For instance, it feels tight at the 2oclock position and then feels looser at the 3oclock position. It can definitely feel like a pump or fluid issue, but is actually in the shaft. __________________ Afe Scoops and CAI, PBX, BMS Paddleshift upgrade, 261M's Powder Coated Gunmetal, 225/255 Michelin PSS, (BMW Performance: BBK, Illuminated Door Sills, Shifter Knob and Boot, E-Brake Handle, Steering Wheel, Front Strut Bar), E93 FSB, E92 RSB, M3 Rear Subframe Bushings, M3 Front Control Arms, HPA coilover kit (Koni Adjustables and Swift Springs), Steel Brake Hoses, Black Kidneys, Smoked LED side markers, Blacklines, Msport lip spoiler...
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