Steering problems

[fatcatrog]

Hello all,

I am the new owner of a 1997 318ti. It has around 120,000 miles on it. When I bought it, the steering doesn't work properly. It feels like no power steering at all. Of course I checked the fluid and it is full. I searched several old post here and could not find where to start. WHere would you start? How do I check if the power steering pump is working properly? What to do next? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks alot!~!!

[BRADESTAR]

I am of the school that power steering is over-rated anyhow. Build your chest and arms, or park faster.

I think to check the power steering pump you find out if the power steering works properly, not much else to it if it is holding fluid.

I'd start by changing the power steering pump if I were you. If I were me, I'd just beast it! You should see my arms.

[pdxmotorhead]

The reservoir is also the filter.. It may be clogged. 20 to 30 bucks..
The system on the BMW is not that aggressive, so if it gets a volume restriction it really quits working...

Dave

[mtlblue]

My power steering is tough also, but how was it new? Getting used to the newer car easy feel on my other vehicles, so not sure what to compare with. Its shacky anyways so will get refresh soon enough. Guess i'll know then..

[fatcatrog]

Thanks for the replies. I just read alot where people say change out the rack or something.

[mtlblue]

I like the fluid reservoir theory, its an easy and cheap do-it-yourself fix, there is also the steering column ujoints that seize up easy, just drown them good with some lube or auto trans fluid, works great .