Stiff Steering

ghassanm3 · 11-09-2015, 02:50 PM

I recently noticed that my steering has becoming significantly more stiff. I am assuming that I have an issue with the power steering pump, or the fluid.

I did some research and looks like some people are flushing their PS fluids. I called my indi shop to see if I could get that done and they said its not recommended and they will inspect and let me know what is causing the problem.

Any ideas? Are any of you actually flushing your PS fluid?

stevelp99 · 11-09-2015, 03:11 PM

Is your pump making any noises when turning? Sounds like either you have a leak and not enough fluid is flowing, but you would prob hear and feel the system straining, or the pump is failing or has failed. Are you running with the sport steering enabled? As it tends to feel heavier (less assisted) than normal setting.

oolas3 · 11-09-2015, 03:16 PM

Why would changing the PS fluid be not recommended? I had my PS fluid changed with no noticeable change to the steering feel afterwards.

ghassanm3 · 11-09-2015, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevelp99

Is your pump making any noises when turning? Sounds like either you have a leak and not enough fluid is flowing, but you would prob hear and feel the system straining, or the pump is failing or has failed. Are you running with the sport steering enabled? As it tends to feel heavier (less assisted) than normal setting.

I dont think the pump is making any noises. I do notice a noise that sounds like my rear tire rubbing when turning but the shop looked at it and said its a known issue with the diff fluids. Not sure how true that is since I havent researched it yet.

JDM_CL9 · 11-09-2015, 03:54 PM

Is this on a E9X M3? Any chance you switched your steering servo to Sport mode?

Beemdog · 11-09-2015, 03:55 PM

Did you somehow get into a different Servotronic steering mode? Sport?

ghassanm3 · 11-09-2015, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JDM_CL9

Is this on a E9X M3? Any chance you switched your steering servo to Sport mode?

I dont think so. I havent changed any settings.

Evolve Automotive · 11-09-2015, 04:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghassanm3

I dont think so. I havent changed any settings.

I am assuming are not the original owner? Does the steering differ when your in MDM mode and not in MDM mode?

Cbozz · 11-09-2015, 04:06 PM

i just changed my power steering fluid along with the reservoir, it was nasty and brown and now with new filter it's back to green and see-through like it should! steering feels better and the whining noise is gone

ghassanm3 · 11-09-2015, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evolve-US

I am assuming are not the original owner? Does the steering differ when your in MDM mode and not in MDM mode?

I am not the original owner. I havent tried changing the settings yet, but will report back if I find anything. The car has 114k miles on it so its probably time for a new PS pump and fluids.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cbozz

i just changed my power steering fluid along with the reservoir, it was nasty and brown and now with new filter it's back to green and see-through like it should! steering feels better and the whining noise is gone

Good to know. Will report back on the findings of the cause and the resolution.

11-09-2015, 02:50 PM	#1
ghassanm3 Private First Class 7 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Portland iTrader: (0)	Stiff Steering I recently noticed that my steering has becoming significantly more stiff. I am assuming that I have an issue with the power steering pump, or the fluid. I did some research and looks like some people are flushing their PS fluids. I called my indi shop to see if I could get that done and they said its not recommended and they will inspect and let me know what is causing the problem. Any ideas? Are any of you actually flushing your PS fluid?
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11-09-2015, 03:11 PM	#2
stevelp99 Private 24 Rep 79 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tx iTrader: (0)	Is your pump making any noises when turning? Sounds like either you have a leak and not enough fluid is flowing, but you would prob hear and feel the system straining, or the pump is failing or has failed. Are you running with the sport steering enabled? As it tends to feel heavier (less assisted) than normal setting.
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11-09-2015, 03:16 PM	#3
oolas3 Captain 388 Rep 876 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: May 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Why would changing the PS fluid be not recommended? I had my PS fluid changed with no noticeable change to the steering feel afterwards.
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11-09-2015, 03:54 PM	#5
JDM_CL9 First Lieutenant 92 Rep 393 Posts Drives: ///M3 Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Toronto, #TheNorth iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW E93 M3 [0.00]	Is this on a E9X M3? Any chance you switched your steering servo to Sport mode? __________________ 2009 BMW E93 6MT///M3 - SG/FR 2011 BMW E90 DCT///M3 - JB/FR (Sold)
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11-09-2015, 03:55 PM	#6
Beemdog Woof! 352 Rep 1,323 Posts Drives: '11 M3 ZCP LeMans Blue Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Sonoma Cownty, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2005 Dodge Viper [9.00] 2011 BMW M3 E92 [9.50] 2009 Ducati Hypermo ... [10.00]	Did you somehow get into a different Servotronic steering mode? Sport?
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11-09-2015, 04:06 PM	#9
Cbozz Colonel 689 Rep 2,716 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: South Florida/ St. Louis iTrader: (27) Garage List 2016 BMW X5M [0.00] 08 BMW M3 [0.00] 14 BMW X5 50i - sold [0.00] 09 BMW 335i - Sold [0.00] 09 BMW 328i - Sold [0.00] 07 BMW 328i - Sold [0.00]	i just changed my power steering fluid along with the reservoir, it was nasty and brown and now with new filter it's back to green and see-through like it should! steering feels better and the whining noise is gone __________________ Evolve, Eisenmann, Strasse, StopTech, Active Autowerke
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