Steering wheel is very hard

AltecBX · 08-24-2010, 09:37 PM

I was away for a month working, and I come home to a very hard steering wheel. She been sitting in the indoor garage for a month. The wheel doesn't move unless I put in force with both hands. When car moves on the freeway, the steering is a little better but it still feels heavy. At low speed around town it feels very heavy. What can it be? I setup an appointment for tomorrow at the dealership and I still have my aftermarket 18" on.

fisherbln · 08-24-2010, 09:47 PM

Sounds like your power steering system isn't working.

Mr. 5 · 08-24-2010, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisherbln

Sounds like your power steering system isn't working.

I agree. It sounds like the pump isn't working or there's no fluid.
Check the fluid level first.

AltecBX · 08-24-2010, 10:16 PM

Ok. I'll go look at it.
Wouldn't the car system alert me of a failure. I checked the system display, and everything seems fine.

AltecBX · 08-24-2010, 11:28 PM

Looks like there's fluid in there.

oner · 08-24-2010, 11:30 PM

try put it on a trickle charger. maybe a weak battery is trying to run fluid pump.

Trojan4evr · 08-24-2010, 11:37 PM

sounds like hydrolic pump is goin out.

rismo · 08-25-2010, 10:22 AM

Battery? Whats the voltage on it? hmm if you have been able to start it should not be a battery issue.....

Any fluid on the floor of your garage?

AltecBX · 08-25-2010, 10:24 AM

No fluids at all on the floor..

Clap135 · 08-25-2010, 11:02 AM

Your power steering pump is shot. This happened to me while I was 11 hours away from home. No lights, no codes, no errors.

AltecBX · 08-25-2010, 11:35 AM

I'm at the dealer now. I'll post the problem as soon as I hear something.
With all the sensors in this car, I wonder why it doesn't warn you about this.

AltecBX · 08-25-2010, 01:48 PM

I have to come back Monday; They said is not the steering pump. They believe is the Rack and pinion but cant put in the warranty work cause of my aftermarket wheels. My SA told me to bring it on Monday morning and they'll swap out the wheels for warranty work for me, so I don't have to do it.

lightning20 · 08-25-2010, 01:55 PM

i know the steering is kinda tuff compared to a toyota or honda. when i drive the accord for a while then come back to my bmw it feels a lot harder to turn. sounds like you have a good sa hope everything gets fixed

enrita · 08-25-2010, 01:55 PM

haha amazing! no warranty work because of the wheels?!?!?! are they kidding?

AltecBX · 08-25-2010, 02:37 PM

Yea. Is because I have aftermarket 18" on and they said they were bent inside. My SA is doing me a favor and swapping them out for stock for warranty work because if I leave mines on, BMW will charge me because they'll blame the aftermarket wheels for the problem.

AltecBX · 08-30-2010, 10:46 PM

Got it fixed today!

J02 335i · 08-31-2010, 05:50 AM

Wow so the u-joint in the steering shaft seized while you were away. We see this all the time, but its usually on Dakota's and other crappers.

Mr. 5 · 08-31-2010, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J02 335i

Wow so the u-joint in the steering shaft seized while you were away. We see this all the time, but its usually on Dakota's and other crappers.

Is this a back east issue?
I've never heard of this.

Bimmer This · 08-31-2010, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

Is this a back east issue?
I've never heard of this.

Could be? Probably rust.

AltecBX · 08-31-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J02 335i

Wow so the u-joint in the steering shaft seized while you were away. We see this all the time, but its usually on Dakota's and other crappers.

Why would this happen?

J02 335i · 08-31-2010, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AltecBX

Why would this happen?

The u-joints have little rubber seals on the end caps and if one gets damaged or is just bad form the start, water, dirt, road salt will get in there and seize it up. Makeing the steering feel like you have no assist, or it will jump as the you rotate the wheel (when it requires the use of that bad joint cap)

AltecBX · 08-31-2010, 01:02 PM

That was definitely the feeling. I wonder if anybody else with the 3 series has experience this before?

08-24-2010, 09:37 PM	#1
AltecBX Colonel 324 Rep 2,663 Posts Drives: BMW 335xi Sedan; BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2007 BMW 335Xi [0.00]	Steering wheel is very hard I was away for a month working, and I come home to a very hard steering wheel. She been sitting in the indoor garage for a month. The wheel doesn't move unless I put in force with both hands. When car moves on the freeway, the steering is a little better but it still feels heavy. At low speed around town it feels very heavy. What can it be? I setup an appointment for tomorrow at the dealership and I still have my aftermarket 18" on. __________________ 335xi Sedan 6AT \| Weather(70-85°F) \| N54 Tune Comparison Chart \|\| N54 Turbo Upgrade Comparison Chart -PROcede Rev. 2.5 ~ v5 (3/17 maps) / JB4 (8/21 maps) / COBB (Stg2+FMIC LT Aggressive maps) †Procede Map2(UT 45 - IGN 40) Aggression Target 2.0 \| 0-60 in 4.0sec \|\| †Cobb E30 LT (35% Ethanol/65% 93 Octane) \| 0-60 in 3.9sec AR Design Catless DP \| BMS DCI + OCC \| ETS 5 FMIC \| Alpina B3 Trans Flash \|235/265 19" Michelin PSS
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08-24-2010, 09:47 PM	#2
fisherbln Captain 12 Rep 859 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (2)	Sounds like your power steering system isn't working. __________________ 2007 335i SG Coupe 2009 128i AW
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08-24-2010, 10:16 PM	#4
AltecBX Colonel 324 Rep 2,663 Posts Drives: BMW 335xi Sedan; BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2007 BMW 335Xi [0.00]	Ok. I'll go look at it. Wouldn't the car system alert me of a failure. I checked the system display, and everything seems fine. __________________ 335xi Sedan 6AT \| Weather(70-85°F) \| N54 Tune Comparison Chart \|\| N54 Turbo Upgrade Comparison Chart -PROcede Rev. 2.5 ~ v5 (3/17 maps) / JB4 (8/21 maps) / COBB (Stg2+FMIC LT Aggressive maps) †Procede Map2(UT 45 - IGN 40) Aggression Target 2.0 \| 0-60 in 4.0sec \|\| †Cobb E30 LT (35% Ethanol/65% 93 Octane) \| 0-60 in 3.9sec AR Design Catless DP \| BMS DCI + OCC \| ETS 5 FMIC \| Alpina B3 Trans Flash \|235/265 19" Michelin PSS
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08-24-2010, 11:28 PM	#5
AltecBX Colonel 324 Rep 2,663 Posts Drives: BMW 335xi Sedan; BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2007 BMW 335Xi [0.00]	Looks like there's fluid in there. Attached Images __________________ 335xi Sedan 6AT \| Weather(70-85°F) \| N54 Tune Comparison Chart \|\| N54 Turbo Upgrade Comparison Chart -PROcede Rev. 2.5 ~ v5 (3/17 maps) / JB4 (8/21 maps) / COBB (Stg2+FMIC LT Aggressive maps) †Procede Map2(UT 45 - IGN 40) Aggression Target 2.0 \| 0-60 in 4.0sec \|\| †Cobb E30 LT (35% Ethanol/65% 93 Octane) \| 0-60 in 3.9sec AR Design Catless DP \| BMS DCI + OCC \| ETS 5 FMIC \| Alpina B3 Trans Flash \|235/265 19" Michelin PSS
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08-24-2010, 11:30 PM	#6
oner Second Lieutenant 25 Rep 214 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	try put it on a trickle charger. maybe a weak battery is trying to run fluid pump.
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08-24-2010, 11:37 PM	#7
Trojan4evr Lieutenant Colonel 494 Rep 1,923 Posts Drives: 2021 G80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Socal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW/ E82 135i [1.00] 2007 BMW/ E90 335i [5.50]	sounds like hydrolic pump is goin out.
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08-25-2010, 10:22 AM	#8
rismo Captain 75 Rep 911 Posts Drives: BMW E92 335 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	Battery? Whats the voltage on it? hmm if you have been able to start it should not be a battery issue..... Any fluid on the floor of your garage? __________________ BMW 335 E92 09 - Full options - DKG - MHD by Buraq - RB Next Gen - RB Inlets/Outlet - Forge Diverter Valves - AR Catless DP - Afe Intake - Helix IC - FuelIT Stage 2 LPFP - Ar Oil Cooler - PPK Water Cooler - M3 Suspension - JRZ RS1 Shocks - Eibach Pro Springs - Drexler LSD - BMW IS Exhaust - Carbon Endurance Brake Pads - Stainless Steel Brake Lines - M101 Wheels - Michelin PS2 - M-Tech Body - M-Strutbar BMW M550i G30 2019 - BM3
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08-25-2010, 10:24 AM	#9
AltecBX Colonel 324 Rep 2,663 Posts Drives: BMW 335xi Sedan; BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2007 BMW 335Xi [0.00]	No fluids at all on the floor.. __________________ 335xi Sedan 6AT \| Weather(70-85°F) \| N54 Tune Comparison Chart \|\| N54 Turbo Upgrade Comparison Chart -PROcede Rev. 2.5 ~ v5 (3/17 maps) / JB4 (8/21 maps) / COBB (Stg2+FMIC LT Aggressive maps) †Procede Map2(UT 45 - IGN 40) Aggression Target 2.0 \| 0-60 in 4.0sec \|\| †Cobb E30 LT (35% Ethanol/65% 93 Octane) \| 0-60 in 3.9sec AR Design Catless DP \| BMS DCI + OCC \| ETS 5 FMIC \| Alpina B3 Trans Flash \|235/265 19" Michelin PSS
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08-25-2010, 11:02 AM	#10
Clap135 Brigadier General 102 Rep 3,460 Posts Drives: 2009 N54 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sticky's Mom House iTrader: (1)	Your power steering pump is shot. This happened to me while I was 11 hours away from home. No lights, no codes, no errors.
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08-25-2010, 11:35 AM	#11
AltecBX Colonel 324 Rep 2,663 Posts Drives: BMW 335xi Sedan; BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2007 BMW 335Xi [0.00]	I'm at the dealer now. I'll post the problem as soon as I hear something. With all the sensors in this car, I wonder why it doesn't warn you about this. __________________ 335xi Sedan 6AT \| Weather(70-85°F) \| N54 Tune Comparison Chart \|\| N54 Turbo Upgrade Comparison Chart -PROcede Rev. 2.5 ~ v5 (3/17 maps) / JB4 (8/21 maps) / COBB (Stg2+FMIC LT Aggressive maps) †Procede Map2(UT 45 - IGN 40) Aggression Target 2.0 \| 0-60 in 4.0sec \|\| †Cobb E30 LT (35% Ethanol/65% 93 Octane) \| 0-60 in 3.9sec AR Design Catless DP \| BMS DCI + OCC \| ETS 5 FMIC \| Alpina B3 Trans Flash \|235/265 19" Michelin PSS
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08-25-2010, 01:48 PM	#12
AltecBX Colonel 324 Rep 2,663 Posts Drives: BMW 335xi Sedan; BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2007 BMW 335Xi [0.00]	I have to come back Monday; They said is not the steering pump. They believe is the Rack and pinion but cant put in the warranty work cause of my aftermarket wheels. My SA told me to bring it on Monday morning and they'll swap out the wheels for warranty work for me, so I don't have to do it. __________________ 335xi Sedan 6AT \| Weather(70-85°F) \| N54 Tune Comparison Chart \|\| N54 Turbo Upgrade Comparison Chart -PROcede Rev. 2.5 ~ v5 (3/17 maps) / JB4 (8/21 maps) / COBB (Stg2+FMIC LT Aggressive maps) †Procede Map2(UT 45 - IGN 40) Aggression Target 2.0 \| 0-60 in 4.0sec \|\| †Cobb E30 LT (35% Ethanol/65% 93 Octane) \| 0-60 in 3.9sec AR Design Catless DP \| BMS DCI + OCC \| ETS 5 FMIC \| Alpina B3 Trans Flash \|235/265 19" Michelin PSS
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08-25-2010, 01:55 PM	#13
lightning20 First Lieutenant 10 Rep 343 Posts Drives: 07 335i sedan Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Oregon iTrader: (3)	i know the steering is kinda tuff compared to a toyota or honda. when i drive the accord for a while then come back to my bmw it feels a lot harder to turn. sounds like you have a good sa hope everything gets fixed
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08-25-2010, 01:55 PM	#14
enrita Major General 159 Rep 7,378 Posts Drives: 335i - Big turbos Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Italian in Sweden iTrader: (0)	haha amazing! no warranty work because of the wheels?!?!?! are they kidding? __________________ 07 335i AT - MOTIV 750 - MHD E85 BMS flash - BMS PI - JB4G5 - Okada Coils - NGK 5992 Plugs - Helix IC - Snow Stg. 3 - Stett CP - Custom midpipes with 100 HJS Cats - Bastuck Quad - PSS10 - QUAIFE LSD - BMS OCC - Forge DVs - AR OC - ALCON BBK - M3 Chassi - Dinan CP - Velocity M rear Toe arms - Advan RZ-DF - LUX H8 - Level 10 AT upgrade
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08-25-2010, 02:37 PM	#15
AltecBX Colonel 324 Rep 2,663 Posts Drives: BMW 335xi Sedan; BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2007 BMW 335Xi [0.00]	Yea. Is because I have aftermarket 18" on and they said they were bent inside. My SA is doing me a favor and swapping them out for stock for warranty work because if I leave mines on, BMW will charge me because they'll blame the aftermarket wheels for the problem. __________________ 335xi Sedan 6AT \| Weather(70-85°F) \| N54 Tune Comparison Chart \|\| N54 Turbo Upgrade Comparison Chart -PROcede Rev. 2.5 ~ v5 (3/17 maps) / JB4 (8/21 maps) / COBB (Stg2+FMIC LT Aggressive maps) †Procede Map2(UT 45 - IGN 40) Aggression Target 2.0 \| 0-60 in 4.0sec \|\| †Cobb E30 LT (35% Ethanol/65% 93 Octane) \| 0-60 in 3.9sec AR Design Catless DP \| BMS DCI + OCC \| ETS 5 FMIC \| Alpina B3 Trans Flash \|235/265 19" Michelin PSS
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08-30-2010, 10:46 PM	#16
AltecBX Colonel 324 Rep 2,663 Posts Drives: BMW 335xi Sedan; BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2007 BMW 335Xi [0.00]	Got it fixed today! Attached Images
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08-31-2010, 05:50 AM	#17
J02 335i Lieutenant Colonel 39 Rep 1,558 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Ontario iTrader: (1)	Wow so the u-joint in the steering shaft seized while you were away. We see this all the time, but its usually on Dakota's and other crappers. __________________ Sport pack, JB3, Dci, factory oil cooler, 18" M3 reps, Michelin PSS, painted trim, black grills, smoked side markers, LED plate lights, H&R coils, Borla catback
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08-31-2010, 01:02 PM	#22
AltecBX Colonel 324 Rep 2,663 Posts Drives: BMW 335xi Sedan; BMW M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW M3 ZCP [0.00] 2007 BMW 335Xi [0.00]	That was definitely the feeling. I wonder if anybody else with the 3 series has experience this before? __________________ 335xi Sedan 6AT \| Weather(70-85°F) \| N54 Tune Comparison Chart \|\| N54 Turbo Upgrade Comparison Chart -PROcede Rev. 2.5 ~ v5 (3/17 maps) / JB4 (8/21 maps) / COBB (Stg2+FMIC LT Aggressive maps) †Procede Map2(UT 45 - IGN 40) Aggression Target 2.0 \| 0-60 in 4.0sec \|\| †Cobb E30 LT (35% Ethanol/65% 93 Octane) \| 0-60 in 3.9sec AR Design Catless DP \| BMS DCI + OCC \| ETS 5 FMIC \| Alpina B3 Trans Flash \|235/265 19" Michelin PSS
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