Power steering problem

[tavo80816]

Just recently, I have noticed that the power steering is stiffer than normal especially when I make moving left turns (90 degrees). Easiest way to explain it: when I am driving at say 20mph ready to make a left turn without stopping, the steering feels as if someone is trying to hold it in place while I try to turn (a lot of resistance), then there is a soft clunk sound, and then normal steering. That clunk sound was not there before.

I have checked the reservoir, and the level is good although I have noticed leaking of oil in my driveway (she never leaked before in the 2 years I've owned her). To me it looks like the common leak coming from under the reservoir is going bad which I can replace easily.

My concern is the clunk sound it does on left turns. I don't want to take it to the dealer just yet until I can get a better idea of what is wrong with the X5. Dealer is $165 just to diagnose the problem.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

2002 X5 4.4i 132k miles

[srmmmm]

I would suspect the double U-Joint shaft - especially if you get the same resistance turning the wheel 180 degrees the opposite direction. There are several other threads on faulty steering with information about this, including replacement instructions.

2002 X5 3.0 239,000 miles
2004 325i 106,000 miles