VERY Heavy steering - slow speeds: 2001 4.4

[Rybar]

Hey guys, first post as I just joined the site. I did some searches without alot of luck. I know X5's have heavy steering which is normal. I've owned mine for a few years now. I've upgraded it with 20" 4.6 wheels/tires and I've had a clunking in my steering column for a while which was never much of a problem.

Just recently when manuevering/parking or driving slow the steering wheel is VERY HEAVY. I mean it feels like manual steering. It is even sticking sometimes. And it never used to be like this.

I know a tech at my local dealer and he says it's probably the pump going, he said the rack needing replacement is quite rare.

BTW: I've checked the fluid level, there are no leaks that I can see and I've also checked tire pressures with no luck.

Any ideas please help!

Ryan

[primetime]

Very strange...What year is your X? how many miles on it?

[Rybar]

2001 with about 115,000 kms = ~71,000 miles

[CanadianX5]

Im having the exact same problem on my 2001 4.4 with 150k

[E5M1R]

There is a belt driving the servo pump?
Is everything OK with it, tight and in place?
Try changing the servo oil. Drain it and put in new high preformence oil
If above fails, then the pump is bad, and you nead a new one

[Rybar]

Does my year have the servo assist? I thought this was newer models only? I also do not have the sport package if that makes a difference.

[Rybar]

Any other help guys? It's actually feeling quite dangerous when the steering sticks.

All I've found online is some problem on Z4's where they have to replace the steering column and a problem with an early 90's 5-series needing to replace a seized u-joint??

[fast4d]

Originally Posted by Rybar

Any other help guys? It's actually feeling quite dangerous when the steering sticks.

All I've found online is some problem on Z4's where they have to replace the steering column and a problem with an early 90's 5-series needing to replace a seized u-joint??

if the steering is sticking and you hear a clunk then it's the steering shaft. we had ours replaced and problem is gone. the dealer actually diagnosed it. I looked at the old part and the joint was bad.

replace it soon as it could be dangerous. I think it was about $1000 total.

[Rybar]

Originally Posted by fast4d

if the steering is sticking and you hear a clunk then it's the steering shaft. we had ours replaced and problem is gone. the dealer actually diagnosed it. I looked at the old part and the joint was bad.

replace it soon as it could be dangerous. I think it was about $1000 total.

Hey thanks man, it's getting worse. I'm going to bring it in asap.

[Rybar]

Just so you guys know, it was the steering rack. The shop ended up rebuilding mine for alot less than the cost of a new rack.