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06-09-2017, 08:19 PM | #1 |
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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, Last edited by doane2u; 06-09-2017 at 08:44 PM.. |
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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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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06-12-2017, 04:35 AM | #7 |
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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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06-21-2017, 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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Looking forward to your response. Ted |
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06-30-2017, 11:28 AM | #11 |
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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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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+ ?
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07-02-2017, 03:38 PM | #14 |
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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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