320d ED - Steering Wander
Discussion
Hi
Recently I seem to be having trouble keeping the car tracking straight. Best way I can describe it is loose, feels a bit like driving in a strong crosswind constantly or when an HGV overtakes and you get the pressure difference, I have to correct it constantly.
Took it to the dealers and they did a full wheel alignment but it didn't make a difference, apparently they didn't even have to test drive it to find the fault, wish they had. With the ignition on, but not the power steering 'active', I can here a clunking when moving the steering wheel left and right.
Any ideas? Anyone had anything similar?
Recently I seem to be having trouble keeping the car tracking straight. Best way I can describe it is loose, feels a bit like driving in a strong crosswind constantly or when an HGV overtakes and you get the pressure difference, I have to correct it constantly.
Took it to the dealers and they did a full wheel alignment but it didn't make a difference, apparently they didn't even have to test drive it to find the fault, wish they had. With the ignition on, but not the power steering 'active', I can here a clunking when moving the steering wheel left and right.
Any ideas? Anyone had anything similar?
How many miles ? I assume E46?
I had a very similar problem that was solved by replacing the upper steering column. It would wander on uneven roads, almost as if the steering had more play than it should. It was most noticeable when driving in a straight line.
It is not a hard job, just a bit fiddly with access. Part was about £100.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwT1_Lv9fz4
I had a very similar problem that was solved by replacing the upper steering column. It would wander on uneven roads, almost as if the steering had more play than it should. It was most noticeable when driving in a straight line.
It is not a hard job, just a bit fiddly with access. Part was about £100.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwT1_Lv9fz4
essayer said:
How many miles ? I assume E46?
I had a very similar problem that was solved by replacing the upper steering column. It would wander on uneven roads, almost as if the steering had more play than it should. It was most noticeable when driving in a straight line.
It is not a hard job, just a bit fiddly with access. Part was about £100.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwT1_Lv9fz4
Thanks for the response. Apologies, it's an e90. You describe the problem better then me I had a very similar problem that was solved by replacing the upper steering column. It would wander on uneven roads, almost as if the steering had more play than it should. It was most noticeable when driving in a straight line.
It is not a hard job, just a bit fiddly with access. Part was about £100.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwT1_Lv9fz4
You're right, it does feel like it has more play than it should and also feels dalayed somehow. I knew it wasn't just tracking or alignment as there was no particular direction where it wandered. I'll book it back in the dealers and give them a more detailed description of the problem.Hi,
Just wondering how did you fix this in the end?
I have an 11 320d ED which is fine everywhere except in strong winds on a motorway
It can be hard to control, there must be play in the steering.
The balancing is fine, tracking is ok as it doesn't pull left or right, bmw dealer drove it and thinks its fine too
Running on 4 run flats
Is there a definitive way to diagnose this?
Thanks
Just wondering how did you fix this in the end?
I have an 11 320d ED which is fine everywhere except in strong winds on a motorway
It can be hard to control, there must be play in the steering.
The balancing is fine, tracking is ok as it doesn't pull left or right, bmw dealer drove it and thinks its fine too
Running on 4 run flats
Is there a definitive way to diagnose this?
Thanks
Hi
Its had so much work done I'm not sure what will have fixed what. All the tyres were changed back to the original non run flats, laser tracking, new drive shaft, four clutches, flywheel, fuel lines, replacement alloys due to bubbling corrosion, timing chain tensioner (upper and lower), timing sprocket, window seals and a new turbo. Apart from that it's been fine. I'm still not convinced it drives as it should but as it goes back to the lease company in four months I've given up.
Sorry, that was probably just a big rant and hasn't helped you in any way
Its had so much work done I'm not sure what will have fixed what. All the tyres were changed back to the original non run flats, laser tracking, new drive shaft, four clutches, flywheel, fuel lines, replacement alloys due to bubbling corrosion, timing chain tensioner (upper and lower), timing sprocket, window seals and a new turbo. Apart from that it's been fine. I'm still not convinced it drives as it should but as it goes back to the lease company in four months I've given up.
Sorry, that was probably just a big rant and hasn't helped you in any way
Pferdestarke said:
Both a colleague and I have experienced this in our ED's but only after having new tyres fitted. It then seems to settle and may be linked to pressures being too high.
It just feels like the car is floating independently from the chassis.
Is that what you're describing?
Actually there might be something in this. I did notice when it had come back from one of the numerous visits to the dealer that the tyre pressures had been dropped below the recommended pressures that are stamped in the drivers door pillar.It just feels like the car is floating independently from the chassis.
Is that what you're describing?
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