Heavy Steering - Power Steering Pipe Gone
 

I have a 2005 X5 only covered 33k Miles.
Recently I drove a new Toyota Avensis for 2 weeks and when I got in to my X5 i noticed that the steering felt really heavy.
Not having drove it for a couple of weeks made me realise how heavy it was.

Anyway as it was due for service i mentioned it to the stealer and they said that they would look into it.

Apparently one of the power steering pressure pipes is leaking and needs replacing (£350). In all honesty I don’t think that the steering is that bad, its just that i drove another car which is much smaller that probably made me feel that the steering was heavy.

Of course i trust the stealers (ha), but i was wondering if you guys also think that the steering on the x5 is particularly heavy and if anyone else has experienced anything similar.

Had exactly the same thing happen on my 2005 'X'. Picked up under warranty and both hoses replaced. The new ones have better anti-flex protection around the lower connections so I suspect this may not be an unknown issue.

In my case the steering had not changed and I picked it up from a fall in the level of the PS fluid in the reservoir. I check all of the fluid levels on a regular basis even if the use is low, and always before a longer journey. The RAF - of which I used to be a member - had a requirement for all vehicles that we were about to use had to go through before driving, and I've stuck to it. The acronym is "FLOWER".

Fuel
Levels (washers, brakes, power steering, (gearbox too if avail) as necessary)
Oil (Engine)
Water (Coolants)
Electrics (Lights and warning lights)
Rubber (Tyres including the spare)

Simple to remember and always worth it I think.

Wish I had picked it up sooner... where abouts is the power steering fluid reseviour? I will keep an eye on it from now on!

But my concern is that even when i get the pipes replaced do you think i will notice a noticable difference in the steering?

Is this something that can be done at home because mine is really heavy as well?

I had this problem in my 2001, I just kept topping up the fluid and it was fine....however I did sell the car soon afterwards!

The slight leaks in the hoses will not caue the steering feel to change, BMWs are known for steering feel on these models. The 4.6is has a lighter feel, but some people don't like that and would rather the heavier feel. There isn't anything wrong with it and nothing you can really do about it as that is how it's designed.

That's what exactly happened to mine last week. Mine is also sports package. I was out of town driving my friend's Toyota Camry, and I kinda really enjoying the feeling that I usually just use one hand to press on the steering wheel, and make the turn, the car is so easy to handle. But after a week I came back in town, put in the key, turned it on, engine started, holy smoke! It was soooo tight! :wow:Also the brakes!:rolleyes: It took me about an hour to pick it up again.

The reservoir is to the RHS of the engine cover as you stand at the front. Has ATF OIL ONLY embossed upon it.

When the hoses are changed you may well find the fluid level drops initially - mine did - and it needs a top up.

Not sure how much lighter or heavier your steering will feel. Unless you lost all of your fluid I would have expected the PAS to still work and only be really heavy at low speed. With the wide tyres these beasts have the steering will never be light. I get about the same 'feel' off the E46 we have too.