What are the symptoms of a faulty steering gear in a BMW 5 Series?
2 Answers
When driving, strong vibrations in the steering wheel, unstable direction, increased free play, understeer or oversteer indicate a malfunction in the steering gear. Here are the specific symptoms of a damaged steering gear: Difficulty in steering wheel return: Generally, vehicle steering wheels have an automatic return function. For cars equipped with hydraulic power steering gears, the automatic return function is somewhat weakened due to hydraulic damping. However, if the return speed is too slow, it indicates a fault in the return function. This type of fault usually occurs in the mechanical part of the steering system. Steering wheel shaking or deviation: When driving on one side of a cambered road, the car naturally tends to deviate. If the camber is significant, the deviation becomes more noticeable due to external factors. After ruling out tire pressure issues, the cause is often a loosened or broken mechanical component in the steering gear.
I've been repairing cars for over a decade, and it's quite common to see BMW 5 Series steering gear failures. The most obvious symptom is a clunking noise when turning the steering wheel, especially during stationary turns which can be particularly harsh. Sometimes the steering suddenly becomes heavy, like trying to bend an iron block, making driving extremely strenuous. Some owners report increased steering play, where the wheels don't respond even after turning the wheel a quarter turn. The most dangerous issue is steering stickiness - when making minor adjustments at highway speeds, it feels glued in place, then suddenly jerks when forced, which is terrifying! I recommend first checking the tie rod ball joints. If the rubber boot is torn and allows dirt ingress, the entire steering gear will fail quickly.
