E36 Steering

Post Thu Jul 24, 2014 5:38 pm

I lent a friend the 316i compact beast and he's rang me saying the power steering keeps going stiff then normal every now and again! Fluid levels ok so when he brings it back what should I look for on it!

Post Thu Jul 31, 2014 8:47 pm

Got the car back and can't see any leaks on the rack or connections, fluids look to be at perfect levels, any ideas, are pumps hard to replace

Post Thu Jul 31, 2014 9:48 pm

pumps not hard to fit,is the belt ok?

Post Thu Jul 31, 2014 10:55 pm

Check the top of the steering column, under the bonnet just where it comes out the firewall. My old E36 had what looked like a spring there which was a bit corroded. Lashings of WD40 over a couple of days freed it right off.

Google searches throw up a few threads, seems to be more common problem over the Pond. Symptoms were uneven weighting and a notchiness or random stiffness when manoeuvring.

Post Fri Aug 01, 2014 8:45 am

ganna have a look at the joint Bob, I googled it last night and symptoms are same so hopefully some lube action will fix as belt looks good! Cheers

Post Sat Aug 09, 2014 10:54 am

Did you sort this Nobby?