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.

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.

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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!"

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I will check that today, thank you for yoru reply.

Examples below https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...aae0261430.jpghttps://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/202...2037ca3009.jpg

+ 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 ;)

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).

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!). :rolleyes: