Steering

[henrym3]

A problem has cropped up where the steering has a tendency to go stiff especially when turning left, most noticeable at low speed where your going to put in a large turn. It's as though you have lost power steering. Oil level is ok, fairly fresh oil, less than a year. Belt is good, no play or noise of the bearings. TCA's are not old enough to be seizing up BUT something is. Any bright ideas???

[graemeX5]

Hi

Sounds like a possible leak from the rack to me.

So worth checking the steering rack gaiters for any signs of oil as it could be the seals, it may even be worth loosening the gaiter and sliding away from the rack to check.

Graeme

[X5Sport]

Rack would be my thought too.  If everything else is OK then there isn’t much left in the system to choose from.  Could be leaking past an internal seal in one direction?

[snrbrtsn]

I’d support the leaking rack however, the oil level has been checked so not untoward to suggest leaking......

I’d be looking at the spring tails for damage, (common at this time of year) top & bottom of springs for broken coil, then look for collapsed top mount bearing which I believe is common.....most likely the passenger side....

EDIT - I was going to delete post after the thought of airbags at all corners, but then I thought everyone loves a foolish post!

[henrym3]

Thanks for the answers, I will check the boots although the level would be down somewhat but you never know, will look at the springs, and quite like the top mount suggestion. Will report back. Seriously hope it isn't the rack.

[X5Sport]

Sorry what I meant was an internal seal blow-by from high pressure to low pressure rather that a leak to the outside.

[Greydog]

Hi Henry
It could be the lower column bearing starting to bind had the same problem with mine. Take the cover off below the steering column follow the column down and you will see a green plastic collar. The column where it enters the collar is splined I managed to get WD40 in the spline and by rotating the wheel repeated in several places everything feed up I then repeated with spray lithium grease.
No issues for the last 2 years I am happy to say.

[henrym3]

Sorted, very close Greydog, it was the UJ in the engine compartment almost opposite the exhaust manifold. Sprayed with chain lub and instant success, what a relief. Thanks again everyone for the input. On to the next issue.