3.0i steering

[Arwel]

Hi guys,
I have a 3 litre Z3, 2003. Steering is a bit heavy but seems to have good feel for the road. I haven't driven another to compare as there isn't one around here. Is this normal or is there a problem with the rack or something? Hasn't lost any fluid either.

 

[Jack Ratt]

Has the steering changed to heavy from previously being "soft or responsive"?
What are your wheels and tyres like? Are you on runflats?
My 2.8 has 16" wheels with runflats and my steering is a little heavier than my Merc, but it's OK for me. In fact I like my steering to point the car where I want it to go. I don't like steering that twitches everytime I touch the steering wheel.

 

[Arwel]

Has the steering changed to heavy from previously being "soft or responsive"?
What are your wheels and tyres like? Are you on runflats?
My 2.8 has 16" wheels with runflats and my steering is a little heavier than my Merc, but it's OK for me. In fact I like my steering to point the car where I want it to go. I don't like steering that twitches everytime I touch the steering wheel.

Tyres have loads of tread. It feels as if it's driving on flat tyres. I just opened the fluid pot to check it again, couldn't see it properly but could see its level, shone a torch down it and saw that it was a dirty brown colour!

 

[t-tony]

Dark coloured fluid can point to a well worn pump. You can get power steering oil treatments the same as you can for engine oil, plus flushing oils too. It can't hurt to flush the system and refill with new oil? Is the car high mileage? The pump may just be tired anyway. Most replacement pumps come with a leaflet telling you there is no warranty without flushing the system.

Tony.

 

[billz]

We had the 3.0 before the Z4 and did not feel as though the steering was heavy at all. In fact the 3.0 is great for throwing into corners the steering is that good

 

[Arwel]

Maybe I need to get the whole lot off. I just had someone turn the steering and no movement in the pot at all.
Is it a big job? Last cars I worked on were Hillman Minx, Ford Corsair and a Mini Clubman Estate back in the 70s! There was much more room to work on them. I have had a look under there but it's a bit like a tangle of bits.

 

[t-tony]

If you had the engine running you should see fluid movement in the reservoir. If your car doesn't have an under tray, most don't, check the p/s pipes and hoses for kinks or damage to make sure that the pump isn't being starved of oil, if there isn't any sing, it would point to the pump dead or dying. It's not an awfully big job, I did a "how too" on the auxiliary belt replacement, which would have to come off anyway which is posted on here. It's not a bad job if you have all the tools required. To flush the system you would need to disconnect the pipes to and from the rack and allow to drain, preferably over night as its a very slow process. Then re-connect the pipes and fill with flushing oil and run the system. Then repeat, only filling with new fluid. Hope this is of some help.

Tony.

 

[Arwel]

Thanks a lot. I'll make a start soon.