Home Forums Articles How To's FAQ Register
Go Back   Xoutpost.com > BMW SAV Forums > X5 (E53) Forum
Fluid Motor Union
User Name
Password
Member List Premier Membership Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read

Xoutpost server transfer and maintenance is occurring....
Xoutpost is currently undergoing a planned server migration.... stay tuned for new developments.... sincerely, the management


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-02-2025, 06:55 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Leamington Spa, UK
Posts: 84
amebb is on a distinguished road
Power steering issue

Hi,
I have a bmw e53 x5 autmatic diesel 2003 model.


My issue is that my steering feels heavy at times.

Lets say if i am driving i can turn the steering wheel with no issues a smal amount. But, lets say if i have to do a full lock on either side, it feels like there is some resistance on the wheels that makes turning harder or heavier.


There is no loss of power steering fluid and i have drained most of the fluid out and replaced it with fresh new fluid today.
This made very little difference to the steering.

I am not getting any noses from the pump like grinding or anything else.


Has anyone else experienced these issues before or does anyone know what i need to check or fix?


Thanks for your help.
Reply With Quote

Sponsored Links

  #2  
Old 02-02-2025, 10:18 PM
EODguy's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Saudi Arabia/Philippines/USA
Posts: 4,113
EODguy is on a distinguished road
Look at the boots on your steering rack, if they seem a little swollen (not ballooned) then you have an internal seal leaking that is allowing the power steering pump to add fluid into boot making it bind by washing out the grease.

Or...

The steering shaft u-joint is sticking because it's worn-out.

These are two of the problems I've had personally.

Sent from Embassy network using Tapatalk
__________________
"When the Team Chief said.... You're trapped in a hole with nothing but a goat and a slinky, what do you do? Stubby said, I'm not sure but it won't end well for the goat...." ~(Overheard) Last day, Phase 3, Q Course
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-03-2025, 10:02 PM
getty150's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: GB
Posts: 428
getty150 is on a distinguished road
How old are your engine belts could it be there is slack?
Several years back when I was new to BMW I could sware the normal steering was far too heavy... I changed out, lubed up the steering shaft u joint even eventually changed out the steering fluid to this lubegard good stuff...totally. I still was not satisfied! The e83 wasn't equipped with having the power steering electrical assist unit.
So once I'm in the hwy, traffic going at a decent clip while in the rain (I always travel with a 2 car length cushion in conditions like this)
Traffic comes to a fast halt!
I use up my cushion and have to swerve! My physical strength turning that suddenly was too much because I expected a heavy steering wheel.
But not so...the steering had compensated for my over reaction and I noticed the steering was firm but yet smooth and lighter. I just missed the car ahead of me and I ran into the shrubbery median.
Later I read up on the BMW steering.
Come to find out this is normal for BMW.
Talk about the "Ultimate Driving Machine!"

Sent from my REVVL V+ 5G using Tapatalk

Last edited by getty150; 02-03-2025 at 10:38 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-04-2025, 04:56 AM
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2022
Location: Leamington Spa, UK
Posts: 84
amebb is on a distinguished road
Quote:
Originally Posted by EODguy View Post
Look at the boots on your steering rack, if they seem a little swollen (not ballooned) then you have an internal seal leaking that is allowing the power steering pump to add fluid into boot making it bind by washing out the grease.

Or...

The steering shaft u-joint is sticking because it's worn-out.

These are two of the problems I've had personally.

Sent from Embassy network using Tapatalk



I will check that today, thank you for yoru reply.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-04-2025, 04:59 AM
EODguy's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Saudi Arabia/Philippines/USA
Posts: 4,113
EODguy is on a distinguished road
Examples below
__________________
"When the Team Chief said.... You're trapped in a hole with nothing but a goat and a slinky, what do you do? Stubby said, I'm not sure but it won't end well for the goat...." ~(Overheard) Last day, Phase 3, Q Course
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-04-2025, 01:29 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Saskatchewan Canada
Posts: 2,407
80stech is on a distinguished road
+ I would check for seized ball joints even though they should be making a noise, just to be sure. The steering rack can be leaking internally, the actuator part is basically a hydraulic piston, even without showing external fluid loss. IF you have the variable assist rack (should be extra wire) could be something going on there. And yes, check basics like slipping belt first ! If there is something else more diesel specific maybe one of the diesel guys could chime in
__________________
1988 325is (purchased new) sold
2004 X5 3.0 2005 X3 2.5
2008 X5 3.0 (new to me)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 02-04-2025, 02:41 PM
wpoll's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 4,818
wpoll will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by 80stech View Post
... If there is something else more diesel specific maybe one of the diesel guys could chime in
Nothing different to note... other than maybe the reservoir gets a bit more vibration! (Although to be fair, an M57(TU) running well is VERY smooth).
__________________
Wayne
2005 BMW X5 3.0d (b 02/05)
2001 BMW F650GS Dakar (b 06/01)
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 02-04-2025, 02:53 PM
Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Saskatchewan Canada
Posts: 2,407
80stech is on a distinguished road
OK Cheers Wayne! I thought maybe there was a leakage onto the belt (which might even be a different arrangement) or something like that that the diesels might have.

There is also a filter in the reservoir but that's a long shot and you would expect some noise if the pump was being starved.
__________________
1988 325is (purchased new) sold
2004 X5 3.0 2005 X3 2.5
2008 X5 3.0 (new to me)

Last edited by 80stech; 02-04-2025 at 02:58 PM.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 02-04-2025, 05:57 PM
wpoll's Avatar
Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 4,818
wpoll will become famous soon enough
Quote:
Originally Posted by 80stech View Post
OK Cheers Wayne! I thought maybe there was a leakage onto the belt (which might even be a different arrangement) or something like that that the diesels might have.

There is also a filter in the reservoir but that's a long shot and you would expect some noise if the pump was being starved.
The M57(TU) is not a very different layout from the M54. Power steering pump, alternator, starter motor, intake manifold etc. are all in a similar location.

Of course, there are a few differences in the layout of the hoses etc. between LHD and RHD but that is true of all E53 variants.

And yeah, the power steering gets somewhat noisy when the pump gets starved (DAMHIK!).
__________________
Wayne
2005 BMW X5 3.0d (b 02/05)
2001 BMW F650GS Dakar (b 06/01)
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
power steering fluid, power steering pump

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:03 PM.
vBulletin, Copyright 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd. SEO by vBSEO 3.6.0
© 2017 Xoutpost.com. All rights reserved. Xoutpost.com is a private enthusiast site not associated with BMW AG.
The BMW name, marks, M stripe logo, and Roundel logo as well as X3, X5 and X6 designations used in the pages of this Web Site are the property of BMW AG.
This web site is not sponsored or affiliated in any way with BMW AG or any of its subsidiaries.