steering problems

[deuchant420]

Hi all, 2005 X5 4.4
recently I have been noticing that while driving on the highway my X5 seems to be getting pushed and pulled by the hollows in the road. ie. when I change lanes and go across the uneveness between lanes my steering wheel gets pushed and or pulled making it difficult to control the vehicle at times. I had an alighnment within the last 6 months and I have checked the front end and nothing really seems worn or loose. It can be difficult to find worn parts even with the front end jacked up so I'm looking for suggestions or has anyone experienced this type of problem?
Thanks!

[Awntchi]

I have the exact same issue with mine, it's really scary sometimes when accelerating while changing lanes. I've balanced the wheels and done tracking but no change. The roads here are like where you are, the issue does away go away though when the road is flat/new. The tyre shop guy told me the issue might be reduced if the tyre wall is curved at the top instead of straight (mine are curved). I'm ad lost as you...this never happened to me before I moved here (norway).

BMW X5 4.8iS 2005

[StephenVA]

The problem you are discussing is called tramming or tracking.
Try this tire trick.
-Add 2 psi to your front tires > Change? Y/N?
-Reduce your tire pressure 2 psi > Change Y/N?

Post your results. It may take 4 psi depending on your actual running tire PSI. Some brands/models are a lot more sensitive to tracking than other brands. Side wall and shoulder construction material and designs are the reasons. All can be minimized with pressure changes assuming that the front end parts are within tolerances.

Question on your 4.4:
Which tire size and brand are you running?
Are they the same size and brands on all four corners?
What is the PSI cold reading on all FOUR tires now?

If you are stopped and the engine is off, is there play in your steering wheel (left to right)BEFORE the tires actually move?

Helpful?

[80stech]

Thrust arm bushings getting soft maybe ??

[o3x5e53]

Check your wheel bearing

[Awntchi]

Originally Posted by StephenVA

The problem you are discussing is called tramming or tracking.

Try this tire trick.

-Add 2 psi to your front tires > Change? Y/N?

-Reduce your tire pressure 2 psi > Change Y/N?



Post your results. It may take 4 psi depending on your actual running tire PSI. Some brands/models are a lot more sensitive to tracking than other brands. Side wall and shoulder construction material and designs are the reasons. All can be minimized with pressure changes assuming that the front end parts are within tolerances.



Question on your 4.4:

Which tire size and brand are you running?

Are they the same size and brands on all four corners?

What is the PSI cold reading on all FOUR tires now?



If you are stopped and the engine is off, is there play in your steering wheel (left to right)BEFORE the tires actually move?



Helpful?

I have 2 different brands on mine, front is one brand and back another. Tyre pressure on all 4 is 36 Bar (approx 493 PSI). However, I checked the play in the steering before starting the car and there is some play with a click....what does that mean?


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[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Awntchi

I have 2 different brands on mine, front is one brand and back another. Tyre pressure on all 4 is 36 Bar (approx 493 PSI). However, I checked the play in the steering before starting the car and there is some play with a click....what does that mean?


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Those readings can't be right. You'll blow the tire off the rims with 493 PSI.

[g300d]

Free play with clicking can be the steering cross joint, the rack, or tie rod joints at the rack end or hub end.

[Awntchi]

I didn't know what the psi would be...did a quick Google conversion and just realised I didn't put a dot...it should be 3.6 bar which according to goggle is 52 psi. Sorry.

G300: I'm due to change the tie rods so I guess it's yet another confirmation...not being able to track the car is the first :/

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[g300d]

Awntchi, yeah, play there has a big chance to affect tracking.

And your tire pressure still sounds high. The 4.6 has the same tire sizes as your 4.8 and the tire placard on it only calls for 2.2 bar/32 psi at standard load.