odd steering problem

[kmsnsx]

I recently have been having trouble with steering, it turns fine until I get to a certain point then it feels like it's binding. Once I fight through the tough steering it feels fine again. Fluid level is fine, alignment is fine. Could it be the rack itself?

[jlevie]

The rack, tie rods, control arms, or upper strut bearings are all possibilities. A through inspection by an experienced BMW tech will reveal the most likely candidates.

[Dissembler]

Its going to be your rack or upper strut mounts.

Open the hood of your car. Have a helper turn the steering wheel through its full rotation several times. While he's doing this, put your hand on the large nut at the top of the upper strut mount and lean your ear in close (if you have a stethoscope or large, plain screwdriver (no handle on it), use those to help isolate any noise potentially coming from the strut mount). Your going to feeling and listening for any grinding in the upper strut mounts.

Repeat the above procedure several times for both sides of the car.

If you don't hear anything, its your steering rack. Theres a worn gear in there or something, it may even be the flex shaft that connects the steering column to rack.

If you only think you hear something, take it a qualified technician.

[kmsnsx]

It turns out it wasn't the rack, strut mounts, etc. It was the steering wheel itself! I have an airbag car which the plug for the airbag must spin with the wheel when turning and for some reason the turning mechanism got jammed up with what looks like strips of white paper (?) causing the white spring pin that normally holds the airbag plug in place while the wheel turns to cause binding.

[gearheadE30]

Can't say I've heard that one before....

[txtorquemade]

New one to me too. Good you figured it out.

[a3ternus]

Everyday something new,even though the car stays the same.
N.