Ah, the BMW Z4! You could say it has the classics of a business sedan: it is narrow, attracts attention with its design, and has that special BMW glaze that has been enchanting admirers of cars for years, it is a gem in the automotive industry! Two variants of this iconic car have received considerable praise: the E85 Roadster produced between 2002 and 2008 and the E86 Coupe produced between 2006 and 2009. Nevertheless, and this is perhaps not so important, some drivers have experienced problems with the steering of their Z4. In this article, you will learn some of the many steering issues of the E85/E86 BMW Z4, their causes, and how to resolve the issues.
Table of Contents
Problem 1: Loose Steering
Symptoms
- Going through a mushy or vague steering sensation
- Challenges that the driver faces to maintain the car in a lane while driving on the highways or at high speed.
Causes
- Low power steering fluid: The power steering system used in your Z4 uses fluid in order to function. When the fluid level is low, the steering may also be too loose and more like it’s made of sponge. This can be due to power steering leak or simply because the fluid has gotten low.
- Damaged power steering belt: Your Z4 will also lose its steering well if the power steering belt that is used by the car has been damaged or worn out.
- Worn-out steering rack: Wear and tear also set in the rack, causing a mushy, or vague, steering; some people just feel that the steering is off.
- Incorrectly aligned wheels or damaged suspension components: Wheels that are not properly aligned or suspension system components that have been damaged can lead to a car that is difficult to steer.
How to Fix
- Ensure that the power steering column is full of oil, and add more oil if there is a need. Leaks have to be fixed.
- Look at the power steering belt to be sure that it is either worn or damaged in any way. If all that is not working, replace the belt if it has worn out.
- If the steering rack is worn out, it would have to be changed. This is a delicate process, and it is better left in the hands of an expert mechanic.
- Take care of the wheels and make sure that they are aligned, and also check the suspension of the car for any signs of damage. If this is the case, replace the worn out parts and take the wheels for alignment once more.
Problem 2: Fluctuating Power Steering Assistance
Symptoms
- Surge which feels like low or high power steering assist
- Problem in the turning of the steering wheel, especially at low speeds
Causes
- Contaminated power steering fluid: Eventually, the free-flowing liquid used in your BMW Z4’s power steering system may be diluted with dirt, grime or even moisture. The result is that the power steering assist varies.
- Faulty power steering pump: Sometimes when the power steering pump is not functioning properly, power steering assist may not be smooth.
- Leaking steering rack: A typical sign of a faulty steering rack is fluctuating power steering assistance.
How to Fix
- Remove the power steering fluid and add fresh fluid. This will assist in flushing out the suspect contaminants likely to cause the problem in the first place.
- If the power steering pump will not work, it will be required to replace it.
- In the case of a leakage in the steering rack then usually it needs repairing or even being replaced.
Problem 3: Binding Steering Wheel
Symptoms
- Clearly, one of the reported issues reported by drivers of the car involves; Hard steering, a problem that is most likely to be noticed when the car is moving slowly.
- A growling or thumping sound every time I maneuver the wheel
Causes
- Worn-out steering rack: The rack obviously degrades with time and this leads to binding, which makes it less responsive when turning.
- Damaged or worn steering column components: Steering machinery inside the steering column could also be affected in some or the other way leading to binding of steering wheel.
- Incorrectly installed air suspension: If the air suspension was not fitted properly then the steering becomes very stiff.
How to Fix
- If it is time for the replacement of the steering wheel then the rack is most probably worn out.
- Check for any mechanical damages or any signs of wear on the steering column parts. Replace any damaged parts.
- If the air suspension wasn’t fitted right, one should have it fixed by a professional mechanic.
Problem 4: Spongy Steering Feel
Symptoms
- Speed control or the steering wheel lacks proper resistance and feels spongy.
- Problems in managing the car are tricky, particularly at high speeds.
Causes
- Low power steering fluid: It is for this reason that if the fluid is inadequate, it may make the steering become spongy, as earlier noted.
- Faulty power steering pump: If the power steering pump is failing then the steering feel is all spongy.
- Worn power steering belt: Worn out belts of power steering also contribute to a spongy feel or you hardly need steering to turn the wheels.
How to Fix
- Inspect and make sure that the fluid of the power steering is adequate and fill up if is needed.
- If the power steering pump is bad, then the pump will have to be replaced.
- The power steering belt should also be replaced if worn.
Conclusion
There you have it! Some of the most common steering problems associated with the E85/E86 BMW Z4 and how to solve them. But what has to be understood is that the vast majority of such problems can actually be prevented if only attention to their signs and constant maintenance.
It is recommended that you always check your power steering fluid levels, take time and check some of the power steering parts and components, and have your car worked on by a certified car mechanic. That way, you will maintain the smooth, responsive form of your Z4 and make it reliable for the purpose it is intended for. Happy motoring!
Please write your complaints about your steering issues with your Z4 in the comments below. We will send all the complaints to the BMW AG, and we will try to receive a recall for this issue. For this, we need to receive many comments with your complaints. Thank you!
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