E38 Power Steering - United Bimmer Community

**TwinCam** · 10-18-2007, 04:06 PM

I have a 2000 740i Sport and the steering has been very tight since I purchased it two months ago. If the car is at a stand-still I have full power steering but once at speed steering wheel is very tight and after coming out of a turn it will not return to center without some force from the driver. I've been told there is a servo on the steering rack but have not gotten into it. Any ideas? Thanks.

witeshark · 10-18-2007, 04:26 PM

Have you checked the power steering fluid?

**TwinCam** · 10-18-2007, 04:39 PM

Fluid is full and clean.

**Numark318i** · 10-18-2007, 05:21 PM

um..if its like the 3 series racks they are closed...cant adjust them.

but there is a bolt where u can put some lube on the bottom of the rack. might want to try that. Its the only screw on the rack. if you remove it theres a bearing in there, maybe u can lube that?

**mgood** · 11-27-2007, 08:58 PM

Your car has variable power assist- i personally do not know enough about the car to advise, but it sounds like you may have the beginnings of an issue there- good luck-

**TECH** · 12-04-2007, 09:52 PM

E38's use a steering gearbox, no rack. There is a servotronic valve on the side of the gearbox that is designed to lower the assist when up to speed. What you describe sounds like it may be faulty, possibly even the whole gearbox.

**mlongo2005** · 03-04-2008, 03:23 PM

i had the same issue.what worked for me in this case is first of all i opened the power steering fluid reservoir and used a magnet on the inside to get out any shavings that may have developed over the years.also start the car and turn the wheel when you do this so that you can get as much out as possible.check the magnet to see if there is alot of metal.anyways after that procedure i made my own device to extract all of the fluid for the reservoir.after doing that i replaced it with rislone power steering fluid for discount advanced auto parts.6-7 dollars.since replacing the fluid,also check the tire pressure in the front of the car,the lower the air pressure the harder the power steering has to work.also check for leaks on the ground after doing all of this.the reservoir also contains a filter on the inside.i cleaned mine out before and ever since i did all of these steps,my power steering has been fine....hope this helps...marco

**mgood** · 03-04-2008, 04:34 PM

i have always flushed / refilled mine with ATF, (be sure to check your OM, or the cap- to my knowledge, they are supposed to be filled with ATF) annually. I always replace the filter/reservoir as well.

This is the procedure for non-self leveling suspensions...

you can do this pretty easily with a tube tied into the discharge side. remove as much old fluid as you can with a turkey baster, then remove the two hoses at the bottom. determine which is input, and which is discharge. clamp the discharge side onto a bucket. replace your filter / reservoir and tighten down the input side. next have your buddy turn the car over *after filling the resevoir*, fill again, repeat... DONT let the reservoir run dry, or your system will be full of air, and you'll have to check your levels over and over. once flushed, you can adjust the level with a turkey baster.

It will surprise you how fast the system pumps the stuff through there... you will then understand why i replace my filter annually. A pretty easy DIY, just a bit messy if you dont take care. Another suggestion- stuff newspaper under the reservoir before doing anything- this will catch most spills. Also, put some under the car, and under your bucket.