Z4 - Sticky Steering Problem - Any Suggestions?

[gizlaroc]

Always try BMW first, but reading the issues I do believe that keeping that gear lubricated will stop it from being an issue.

[Skirmisheer]

Thanks for the replies.
The BMW letter phase is ongoing so I'm going to give that chance to work its way through their system and hopefully will at least get some reply. I'm not banking on the type of reply I'd like but its worth a go for just the cost of a stamp.

I'm not sure if you've seem them but there are two different methods of lubricating the internal bearing and worm gear.
The first involves drilling and tapping the aluminium housing and then inserting a greasing nipple. This allows you to pump some grease into the housing, supposedly to lubricate the components.
The second method is similar but uses a thin spray oil (Rem Oil) to work its way into the housing. This does seem to have had success too.
I wondered whether the best way to use that method would be to drill a hole slightly undersize that of the oil spray can tube. This would then create a tight seal so that when used the oil could only have one direction to go, into the housing. I suppose that would reply on a suitable pressure in the spray can to work.

One concern I have about using a grease nipple is that they only have short threads and the housing where drilled is angled outwards meaning not a lot of the thread on the nipple will be gripping in the aluminium. Someone on a forum has made a small extension component to screw into the housing however I'm not sure I have the facilities to create such a piece. Seventh post down this page.

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=3&am...

Anyway, I'd be rather daft to start drilling until I hear something from BMW. It wouldn't look too good if they offered to replace the column and then noticed that someone had made their own modifications!

[Babw]

Would be great to get an update on this.

The sticky steering on my Z4 is driving me mad at the moment, in the morning when it's cool; great but when I get back from work after a day of sitting in the sun it's a complete nightmare.

[samuk]

Hi

What are the costs of getting the steering column change over? from a Indy i guess?

Have a similar issue in a 05 alpina z4 i am looking at buying.

Is it a long job?
Cost of Part? is it worth sourcing one from a breaker, or maybe from euro car parts? if cheap enough?

[Skirmisheer]

We sold ours so never tried to rectify the problem. If I remember correctly we were quoted around £2500 to get it sorted. Used columns are as rare as hens teeth due to their demand. Have a look at the Z4 forum where there's a wealth of information.

[Babw]

samuk said:

Hi

What are the costs of getting the steering column change over? from a Indy i guess?

Have a similar issue in a 05 alpina z4 i am looking at buying.

Is it a long job?
Cost of Part? is it worth sourcing one from a breaker, or maybe from euro car parts? if cheap enough?

I had mine done in August. The total cost was approximately £2500 and that included a new steering column (remanufactured),a new lower coupling with the UJ's, reprogramming of the new steering angle sensor and alignment (I had some other bits done at the same time).

The risk of buying a used unit is there isn't a way to test it until it's on the car when you might find it's either damaged internally due to the locking pin not been placed correctly when removing or it also has the sticky issue. You could potentially end up paying 2x labour costs or worse 2x columns + 2x labour.

[Skirmisheer]

So is yours a reconditioned steering column? Is that a different design to the old faulty type?

[AdamGP]

I also had this on my 04 z4, only came to light on hot days, made the car horrible to drive, so much so that I got rid after only 6 months ownership, coupled with roof motor worries from blocked drains it was for the best.

I also looked into second hand steering columns but as above these are super rare.

[Babw]

Skirmisheer said:

So is yours a reconditioned steering column? Is that a different design to the old faulty type?

That's a good question actually, initially I thought it was a BMW remanufactured but I had the steering rack changed on my M3 at the same time so I can't remember if I'm getting the two confused.

In any case the column was bought from BMW, they advised the design was changed 3 times during the life of the design. Original introduced on the Z4 in 03, then changed in 05 before the final redesign for 57/08 cars which seems to have ironed out all the issues.

It's a completely different car to drive since the new column, wish I had fixed it sooner.

[Skirmisheer]

Good to hear you've got it sorted. It's such a shame that the early Z4's are cursed with this problem as otherwise they would be superb. There comes a point where it just doesn't make economic sense to throw £2500 into a car that may be worth only double that. Having said that Z4's can be picked up cheap and if the only problem is the steering then there is an argument for spending the 2.5k knowing you have a cracking car to own and drive.

[Babw]

You're right, I had the same decision; keep it and fix the steering or sell it and get something else (probably an Elise). I was however fortunate enough to drive an ESS twin screw Z4 3.0 which was outrageous yet completely useable. The Z4M was never an option as I've had an E46 M3 long term.

Currently it's running fully dyno setup AST's, Stoptech's, R888's for track with Volk's and just placed an order for a Drexler with 4.1 CWP. ESS TS2 will be picked up when I'm in Norway next. I had a delivery slot for a 981 Boxster S and even with all the mods on the Z4 it's costing me less than the Boxster yet the excitement per £ is through the roof. I quite like the looks as well.

Edited by Babw on Monday 20th October 22:01

[citizen smith]

Hi,
There is another solution, set the A/C to freeing cold and point the air-flow directly to the screen on hot days.