Power steering too stiff?

[Old MrT]

Hello everyone, after an absolutely manic four months I actually managed to get out in the Z for a little drive today and I don't know if it's my imagination as I haven't used it for a while but the steering seems to be quite stiff now, there doesn't seem to be much assistance which may be correct to give a sporty feel to the car but it almost feels like it's kicking back a bit. I haven't had a chance to jack it up to see what it's like with no weight on the wheels yet but was just wondering if this is actually normal for the car before I start looking for a fault that isn't there.

I've taken a video of it but I can't see how to attach it!

Many thanks

 

[andyglym]

Hello everyone, after an absolutely manic four months I actually managed to get out in the Z for a little drive today and I don't know if it's my imagination as I haven't used it for a while but the steering seems to be quite stiff now, there doesn't seem to be much assistance which may be correct to give a sporty feel to the car but it almost feels like it's kicking back a bit. I haven't had a chance to jack it up to see what it's like with no weight on the wheels yet but was just wondering if this is actually normal for the car before I start looking for a fault that isn't there.

I've taken a video of it but I can't see how to attach it!

Many thanks

Hi mate. Your video needs to be uploaded to YouTube, you then copy the link and paste it on to here. If you tap the 3 horizontal dots with a down arrow to the right at the top of the page when typing several icons appear, the top on says "Media", tap that and paste your link into the space that appears and post reply.

 

[AntStark]

Z3 steering is generally heavy and stiff, especially if you are coming back to the car from something with electric power steering.

I changed the track rod ends and lubed the joints on the steering column and it did wonders for mine...... that and using it more

 

[t-tony]

First thing after being unused for a long while is check the power steering fluid level and then start the engine and turn the steering fully from lock to lock a few times to work any air ouf of the system. Do not leave the reservoir cap off though, or you'll have a mess to clean up.

Tony.

 

[IainP]

but it almost feels like it's kicking back a bit. I haven't had a chance to jack it up to see what it's like with no weight on the wheels yet but

Ahh, I’ve seen That before. .
If the fluid level is ok, you’re correct, worth jacking the front up and cycling the steering. If it’s still stiff it’s the UJ’s in the column. If you’re lucky you may loosen them off with oil. If not it’s a replacement, plenty available s/h but do make sure the UJ’s move freely.
If it is seized, getting the old one off is best done by taking the bolts out the rack so you can move it. The replacement should then slide on easily.

 

[Old MrT]

Many thanks for the replies chaps, sounds like it need to bleed it out and check the UJ's then. I've managed to upload the video anyway, thanks for the info 'andyglym'

 

[IainP]

Seeing that it’s not the UJ’s, it’ll kick back like that, but you wouldn’t be moving the wheel with one hand!

 

[Andyboy]

Could be the lower column UJ under the bonnet.WD40 and exercise can improve things - you’ll see rust escaping if it’s bad.

 

[Old MrT]

Seeing that it’s not the UJ’s, it’ll kick back like that, but you wouldn’t be moving the wheel with one hand!

I get what you're saying but it may be the UJ's yet, I haven't had a chance to check them and I know I wouldn't normally be moving the steering wheel with one finger! I was doing that to try and demonstrate what is happening. I have a 2001 E46 3 series and that feels completely different, my other car is a 1997 Volvo 940, so all older hydraulic power steering.

 

[Old MrT]

Could be the lower column UJ under the bonnet.WD40 and exercise can improve things - you’ll see rust escaping if it’s bad.

Thanks for that, I'll give them a lube up as soon as I can

 

[Andyboy]

You have two to lubricate:

 

[AntStark]

I cleaned with WD40 then used lithium spray grease on mine ..not sure if that was right but it did the trick

 

[Old MrT]

Thanks guy's, I'll get it looked at as soon as I can and report back

 

[Duncodin]

That "kick back" sounds like a pump/hydraulics issue. What t-tony said about fluid level and working the air out would be my first thing to look at - and the easiest/quickest to eliminate.