Need help with a power steering issue?

[billy in slo]

I have a vibration that I feel through the wheel and seat of the pants (you know the kind) hard to pinpoint but, it only and always happens when the wheel is turned anywhere right of center. Even going down the hwy. straight if I apply the slightest right of center pressure to the wheel I can feel it. I have replaced the front tires and checked brakes, rotors etc.
It is an 86 325es.
My thoughts and questions;
Does the power steering pump pump fluid through two different hoses for right and left turning? In my mind there has to be a logical, mechanical explanation, I don't know enough about the power steering system to pinpoint the problem.
I was going to deactivate the PS by removing the belt and see if problem persists, does this seem reasonable?
I rarely if ever post so thanks for any help.
billy isbell
San Luis Obispo, Ca
84 528e
86 325es
90 535i

[Wh33lhop]

I have a vibration that I feel through the wheel and seat of the pants (you know the kind) hard to pinpoint but, it only and always happens when the wheel is turned anywhere right of center. Even going down the hwy. straight if I apply the slightest right of center pressure to the wheel I can feel it. I have replaced the front tires and checked brakes, rotors etc.

Sounds like a wheel/tire balance issue.

It is an 86 325es.
My thoughts and questions;
Does the power steering pump pump fluid through two different hoses for right and left turning?

No.

In my mind there has to be a logical, mechanical explanation, I don't know enough about the power steering system to pinpoint the problem.
I was going to deactivate the PS by removing the belt and see if problem persists, does this seem reasonable?

Try just to satisfy your curiosity if you like, but power steering does not distinguish between steering directions.

What does the vibration feel like? Does it vary with speed? Is it a high frequency humming or a vum-vum-vum type deal? So far I'd say it's either a wheel bearing, axle or a balance issue. Are you lowered at all?

[billy in slo]

Thanks. Car is lowered with "sports" and BavAuto springs, stock 14" BW and new Yoko Avid's. First thing I did was replace trires and re-balance.
Vibration is constant, almost a rubbing type sensation, not speed dependant and exists under accelleration and coasting.
As I said, it happens with the slightest right of center pressure on the steering wheel. Even slight enough as to not change the trajectory of the vehicle.
Thinking out loud now; I believe the car does at least need to be rolling, not stationary, which would indicate wheel area.
I think I will still disable the pump just to eliminate it and then go after the wheel area.
Of course my fear is a damn wheel will fall off at speed under cornering!
billy

[Wh33lhop]

Have you checked your fluid?

[billy in slo]

Ah, thank you for asking the obvious, I am embarrased to say I had not!! I did last night and yes it was somewhat low but alas, (thankfully) that was not the problem, that would have been REALLY embarrasing.
I'll pursue some things this weekend and post if I solve it.
Thanks again,
billy

[willybustaE30]

??? 3 posts in more then 2 years & then they were all in this thread ???
weird.

[billy in slo]

Well if you really want to know, I have had the e30 for about 5 years, I don't drive it much and have never had an issue. I don't monitor this board and have had nothing useful to contribute so I don't post.
I have an e34 daily driver, another board; a Classic GMC Motorhome, another board; an e28, another board and a 57 Triumph TR-3, yet another board.
As for 3 posts in this thread, I was the thread starter and have replyed to other posts or updated my situation.
Regarding updates, I did not have time to disable the P.S. pump so no conclusion yet.
billy in slo

[87-325ic]

you said it happens when rolling only, so it must be a wheel issue..

that sounds kind of like wheel bearings to me.. have you checked the tie rods/ ball joints?

[greyis89]

you said it happens when rolling only, so it must be a wheel issue..

that sounds kind of like wheel bearings to me.. have you checked the tie rods/ ball joints?

i seem to have a similar issue and i'm begining to think it's the wheels/camber/alignment and all from being lowered. going slow you cant tell but up around 40 to 50mph i can definetely feel a wiggle in the wheel. how can you test or check the tie rods further if they feel kind of stiff to begin with?

basically it needs to be fixed or you could end up like me going 65 on the highway and have the caliper bolts come out on you...not a good night couple satudays ago.

[ak-]

I bet it's your tie rods or rod.
Jack up your wheel and squat down in front of it.
Put both hands on each side and turn it back and forth.
If it has play in it and is not stiff(the way it should be), you have a bad tie rod and maybe balljoint.

[billy in slo]

Well, finally got around to troubleshooting this problem.
Disabled the PS pump but the problem persisted, pulled the wheels, no wiggle, spun the rotors around and noticed brake grabbing and found the rotor to be warped. So, pretty good news, EZ fix and I can drive it knowing the wheel ain't gonna fall off.
Thanks for all the help guys.
billy

[billy in slo]

OK, an update. Finally got around to replacing pads and rotors and the vibration is less but still there. So the vibration is when I turn right, even a little. The right hub is newer (3-4 years). I read a tech article here that said turning left unloads the driver side bearing, so does turning right load the driver side and increase the vibration because the left bearing is bad? It would make sense since it looks original. Guess I will replace the driver side and see if that fixes it.

[billy in slo]

Resolved
Replaced driver's side front wheel bearing, problem solved. Thanks for all the advice. Frankly I am surprised no one just came out and said wheel bearing. Even my BMW shop, drove the car and suggested tires! Really? Oh well, I will know next time (20 years).