Steering feels stuck/latchy when turning lock to lock especially after a long drive

[zib]

Dear e39ners,Have any of you had a similar experience? especially when turning into a rest area and in order to park ,suddenly the steering feels stuck and heavy as if the steering lock is on ..or similarThen with a little extra force, it turns again smoothly.Hard to describe as it happens only occasionally eg after a long drive back/from the North.Feels stuck and not very smooth like a poorly oiled bicycle pedals if I may remember/describe the sensation. Could it be due to the power steering pump, steering rack or any thing that has to do with turning parts such as the steering shaft coupling or the tie-rod end etc? The car drives ok and no issues at all.Anybody knows what's the problem? Fear it might get stuck on a highspeed drive turn and it might be a disaster.Cheers all!

 

[bimmerholic]

has got to do with your tie-rods.

Also do check your tires if they have any swollen bumps on it.

 

[haywire]

Checked the steering oil levels?

 

[sewell]

i think should chage the power steering oil

 

[zib]

i think should chage the power steering oil

ok will do that when the service is due next week.

cheers

 

[moots]

at least check the power steering oil level to ensure sufficient.if low,top up.you will damage the power steering rack if you run the rack dry.you can change the oil at next service.

 

[zib]

Hi moots,
the power steering atf fluid is full. Some minor leaks and it has been there since I bought the car but I top up like 50ml every 2 months or thereabouts. So it doesn't drop that fast.

 

[Mtigo]

I have this experience with my previous E36 end up with new steering rack

 

[zib]

I have this experience with my previous E36 end up with new steering rack

ouch! that's scary.
Btw how much did you pay for your E36 steering rack? Was it a new part?

Wonder how much a new and a used steering rack for e39 would cost if I had to eventually go for the worst.

 

[Mtigo]

I bought one halfcut complete..hehehe..
cheap solution... try to flush your power steering oil first.

 

[haywire]

I heard new steering rack for E39 about 3.6k, used one about 1.2 k. Might not be correct though.

 

[tweiboon]

I heard new steering rack for E39 about 3.6k, used one about 1.2 k. Might not be correct though.

I thought e39 and e36 steering rack are same. So both of it not same ?

 

[zib]

I thought e39 and e36 steering rack are same. So both of it not same ?

Hi tweiboon,
Asked around chopshops and one at MRR2 quoted me RM1000 used or refurbished but they will need my old rack to be refurbished.

Saw one in mudah going for rm500 used.

 

[alantiong]

Confirm its ard 1000for refurbished one and trade in the old one.