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      06-09-2017, 08:19 PM   #1
doane2u
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Question 2007 E85 Z4 Steering problems at speed

I've started noticing a problem that seems to appear around 70-75 mph. The steering feels sort of loose, like there is a bit of play in it and it's really disconcerting. My mechanic said he couldn't find anything wrong and that he has run into this before.. but I want to be sure this is safe.

Does the 2007 3.0i use electric steering and could this be some sort of server problem in the electrical control system. or maybe a mechanical issue? I have about 70k miles on it. Tires only have about 2000 miles on them and suspension seems fine otherwise.

Thanks,

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      06-09-2017, 08:41 PM   #2
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All the Z4's except the M have the electronic power steering, but it can't make the steering loose. The drive unit is under the dash and it's a motor that drives a gear on the steering column so all it can do is provide boost or drag.
At 80K miles you're likely due for front control arm bushings or possibly control arms and bushings. The lower ball joints are part of the control arm assembly and when they get a bit of wear along with worn bushings you can definitely get a bit of a loose feel at highway speed and you might even start to get some tramlining.
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      06-09-2017, 08:48 PM   #3
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Thanks, DC, I noticed I made a mistake, it has about 70k miles. Maybe I should have them look at my bushings... is that something I can feel any play in if I reach under and try to move them with the car on jacks?
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      06-09-2017, 09:38 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doane2u View Post
Thanks, DC, I noticed I made a mistake, it has about 70k miles. Maybe I should have them look at my bushings... is that something I can feel any play in if I reach under and try to move them with the car on jacks?
You're still in "replace the control arm bushings" mileage. Usually around 60K is the max for them. If you put the car up on jack stands or ramps you can visually inspect the control arm bushings. It's typically pretty easy to see if they've degraded.
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      06-10-2017, 12:02 AM   #5
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OK, will do, thanks. I guess it's not really dangerous until I get it fixed, right?
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      06-11-2017, 11:56 PM   #6
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Final question, do I need to have it aligned after replacing bushings?

Thanks,
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      06-12-2017, 04:35 AM   #7
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Final question, do I need to have it aligned after replacing bushings?

Thanks,
Yes. Essentially any time you change out a geometry controlling suspension component you should at least get alignment checked to assure it's still in spec.
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      06-12-2017, 10:07 PM   #8
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Sent an email to my mechanic for an appointment and I'll let you all know what he finds out.

Thanks for the help.
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      06-21-2017, 02:01 PM   #9
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They completely checked out the suspension yesterday and said they could find nothing wrong, bushings were fine.
This seems like a stretch, but is it possible it's caused by my installing Bridgestone summer Potenza RE-70 tires instead of the OEM runflats the dealer suggested? They only have a few thousand miles on them.
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      06-29-2017, 02:36 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dc_wright View Post
All the Z4's except the M have the electronic power steering, but it can't make the steering loose. The drive unit is under the dash and it's a motor that drives a gear on the steering column so all it can do is provide boost or drag.
At 80K miles you're likely due for front control arm bushings or possibly control arms and bushings. The lower ball joints are part of the control arm assembly and when they get a bit of wear along with worn bushings you can definitely get a bit of a loose feel at highway speed and you might even start to get some tramlining.
Greetings dc_wright I have steering problems. When turning from a stop my steering growels. I have about 80K on my 2003 Z-4. Is it a front control arm bushing problem?

Looking forward to your response.

Ted
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      06-30-2017, 11:28 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tkeneklis View Post
Greetings dc_wright I have steering problems. When turning from a stop my steering growels. I have about 80K on my 2003 Z-4. Is it a front control arm bushing problem?

Looking forward to your response.

Ted
More likely your power steering unit located under the dash, or an issue with your steering rack and pinion assembly that's overloading the power steering unit.
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      06-30-2017, 11:37 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doane2u View Post
They completely checked out the suspension yesterday and said they could find nothing wrong, bushings were fine.
This seems like a stretch, but is it possible it's caused by my installing Bridgestone summer Potenza RE-70 tires instead of the OEM runflats the dealer suggested? They only have a few thousand miles on them.
The RE070 Bridgestones are even grippier tires than the RE-71s and will strongly accentuate any issue, particularly alignment issues, and they're very sensitive to toe in. The usual effect is a tramlining, where any change in the texture of the road surface causes an input to the steering and a pull in that direction. I run zero toe for autocross purposes which exacerbates tramlining. I replaced the control arms and control arms bushings and the tramlining was significantly reduced. All of my steering gear was in spec, but with the extreme performance tires even being in spec but having some wear can be noticeable. I also replaced the RTABs which also had no visible issues, but getting new bushings in there has significantly improved rear stability.
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      07-02-2017, 03:15 PM   #13
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Ahh, interesting... I'll have them check the alignment. Any suggestions for sporty, but non track driving and something that will give better feel on highways with out the touchy issue I get at about 65+ ?

Thanks again
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      07-02-2017, 03:38 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doane2u View Post
Ahh, interesting... I'll have them check the alignment. Any suggestions for sporty, but non track driving and something that will give better feel on highways with out the touchy issue I get at about 65+ ?

Thanks again
Have them set it to factory specs and try to get it right on the nominal spec. If they err it should be on the toe'd in side of the tolerance for front and rear toe in.
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