What causes the steering gear fault display in BMW cars?
2 Answers
The reason for the steering gear fault display in BMW cars is that there is a large amount of air in the power steering system, causing abnormal car steering; foreign objects in the steering hydraulic pipeline causing the steering pump flow control valve to stick; loose connections in the power steering system leading to steering fluid leakage. Abnormal noise when steering: Solution: The cause of abnormal noise when steering is usually due to damage to the kingpin and bushing or the failure of the thrust bearing. When encountering this situation, you can turn left and right and disassemble and inspect based on the location of the noise. Steering gear oil leakage: Solution: The oil leakage in the steering gear usually occurs at three places: the upper cover of the steering gear, the connection between the steering shaft and the arm, and the side end cover. This is often caused by prolonged use of the car leading to sealing issues. Since these three parts have sealing rings, replacing the new oil seal and sealing ring can solve the problem. Difficulty in returning to the original position: Solution: Generally, vehicles have an automatic return function for steering. If you need to apply the same force when returning as when steering, it indicates a fault in the return function. This fault usually occurs in the mechanical part of the steering, such as lack of oil in the kingpin and bushing causing burning damage, lack of oil in the universal joint connecting the steering wheel and the steering gear, or rust in the straight rod joint due to lack of oil. In such cases, visit the corresponding repair point for maintenance.
I've been driving BMWs for years and have encountered the steering wheel fault light issue myself. It's mainly caused by problems in the steering system. The most common culprit is sensor failure, such as the steering angle sensor or torque sensor - when these malfunction, the system triggers an alarm. Electronic power steering module failures are also frequent, as many BMW models use electric power steering; module overheating or software bugs can cause weakened or sudden loss of power assist. In my last incident, poor wiring contact caused a false alarm - when I opened it up, the connector was corroded. The system might also generate false alarms when tires are unevenly worn or slipping. If the light comes on, don't push your luck - immediately check if the steering feels abnormally heavy or makes strange noises. Safety first - go straight to a dealership or professional repair shop for comprehensive diagnostics rather than attempting DIY fixes. Regular maintenance checks of steering fluid and software updates can prevent many headaches.
