steering problem at idle RPM

[n_frankie]

When the car is idling the steering becomes extremely hard (97 540i 6spd). It feels like a tractor, it seems like I have no power steering. If I step on the gas RPM increases, and steering becomes normal..... Should the needle on the RPM gauge be on the first line from the bottom when she idles? I think if I increase the idle RPM the servotronic can build up more pressure. The only problem is that I have no idea how to do that.

 

[95BMW_525i]

if the idle is the same as it was before you had this problem then its not the idle but if its different then maybe its too low but even at a low idle the powersteering shouldnt be that hard. im guessing your fluid is low, a belt may be slipping or maybe the pump is going bad.

 

[ace]

hey mate,

Check fluid pressure lines, im guessing there is leak in either low pressure or high pressure. Other possible reason could be pump or fluid level. I wud rule out fluid level coz if it were low, u wud prbly get a warnin....

run a pressure test thru the system to detect leaks....

cheers mate....

 

[n_frankie]

fluid level is perfect. There is no leak for sure. I'll try to increase the RPM, see what happens. Can somebody tell me how I could do that?

 

[nadroj]

fluid level is perfect. There is no leak for sure. I'll try to increase the RPM, see what happens. Can somebody tell me how I could do that?

Put it in nutral or push the clutch down and push the gas

Im thinking it may be the belt slipping this exact thing was happening to my 318iS e30 i just tightened the belt down.

 

[95BMW_525i]

any luck with tightening the belt????

 

[n_frankie]

I haven't checked the belt yet. I'll let you know what I find. Thanks for checking.

 

[epj3]

bad pump or steering box. They are designed to have much more assist at 700 rpm (or whatever idle is) than at 2,000 rpm or higher. Sounds like the valving in the steering box or the pump are bad.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

Yeah sounds like the pump to me. Maybe if you do some reverse parks and turn the wheel from lock-to-lock at crawling speed listen for the pump making significant and repeated 'groaning' sounds. If this is the case then you're likely to have a dodgy pump. It's my understanding that power-steering fluid leaks at the rack and pinion (to which there is no seal available) is a common fault.

 

[Chesty Bonds]

^^^Wait, I just realised you have a steering box, not a rack and pinion setup. Disregard what I said.

 

[n_frankie]

You were right Nadroj it was the belt. It must have been loose for a while because it gave away today. I was driving home and the belt actually came off (didn't brake, just came off). I don't understand why I didn't hear the belt squiling before . Well anyway. Belt looks like shit. I have to change it. Do you or anybody else know any tricks that I should be aware of (special tools, ect...). The new belt will probably be a bitch to put on. Any tips are appreciated.