steering sticks?? Help!!?? Strange
 

I have a 98 328is, 97k miles. with an intermittant steering issue. It seems to happen more after the car has been driven for an hour or more. What happens is if I am just sort of cruzing generally in a straight line at some point I can feel that the sterring wheel becomes tight. That is,, sort of like the power assist is not there... If I then purposly turn the wheel an inch or 2 it then loosens back up.

Could it be the rack is worn or sticking? My fluid lever is ok and there is never any power steering pump noise at all. The belt and idler and brand new.

I did acually drive a 325 that did this too when I was car shopping and didnt know what to think then either.

I have had mine for only 2 months and am getting the mant up to snuff. But now this just started happening.
Any ideas???

Thanks!!!

You car has variable assist P/S. At low speeds it's "full-on" and at higher speeds it's reduced slightly for stability (some are based on engine speed and some are on road speed -> BMW Sevotronic)

To tell which style you have read the label on your PS cap. If it says:

ATF - standard variable assist
CHF7.1 = BMW Servotronic

By Any chance are you driving on roads with ruts, i know where i live there are some well used roads with grooves and when you go out the wheel likes to move to pull back into the groove.

You might also have an air pocket in the system. To bleed the air out - start the car, turn the steering wheel SLOWLY from lock to lock twice then check your PS level.

steering
 

I suppose it could be air. I will try that.

It still is happening. Some days it does others it does not.

I think he's right, once you get rid of the stiffness does it seem ok for the duration of the drive?:drive2

Now that its cold out it is almost undriveable. Feel like no power steering at all. Had it in the garage and let it run... once it warmed up it was ok and I drove it around for 30 minutes ok for the most part.

Could it be the adjuster nut on the steering box? Ive heard this adustment sets how much power assit is added?

Im stuck..Help!!!

After turning it side to side - did you check and add to the system? Anytime you do this you should check the level.

Steering Joint
 

You might want to grease the joint inside the engine bay. You'll se it where the steering column comes into the engine bay from inside the car. Had the same problem and mine was very noisy at points in time.

^^ Bumping an old thread, but Frikkie speaks truth. Good advice for anyone who stumbles upon this thread in the future.