Steering Woes Again!

[freeride53]

My 91 318i recently (again) started experiencing issues with steering.

When turning the wheel I experience resistance, sometimes more than other times...

This car has P/S, and the steering wheel is starting to feel as if is is "getting stuck"...and tougher to turn at certain points.

I had these issues over a year ago, after I drove through a puddle of water.

Since then, I have gotten:

-new e30 m3 steering rack
-new inner and outer tie-rods
-new control arm/CABS
-professional allignment
-p/s fluid flush

I am brain-boggled. Why does my steering start feeling "rough" at times?

[LJ851]

Maybe your pump is fading out.

How are your u joints in the steering column?

[estoguy]

+1 on checking the u-joints in the lower steering column.

My steering was getting bad, and it was the lower u-joint in my case that was causing the problem.

[freeride53]

I think my u-joints have seen better days.

But we have indeed pinpointed the p/s pump.

Good call Lorin!

Now I've found a nice $80 pump that's used, but wanted to get some perspective - would you guys buy new or used?

[LateFan]

I'm like you in that the used part fits my budget. But a part of me says, The first one lasted 25 years, I should probably just put a new one on.

These guys will know more about used ones though.

[turbo55]

If is it a u-joint problem, you could at least tide it over by spraying it liberally with white lithium grease. When my steering was binding up a bit and that loosened it right up!

[freeride53]

Replaced the power steering pump & belt, but the steering still feels sorta weird.

I drove the car from San Diego to L.A. to San Francisco yesterday, but it's still sorta bothering me.

Guess it's time to look into the u-joints! :(