really scary steering problem - please HELP

[Jon K]

But don't you guys think that, at speed, the steering wheel should be fairly easy to turn - martin is describing a hard almost ignition lock-like difficulty

[Jr ///M5]

As usual, Martin, Brandon, Jeff N. are spot on with the diagnosis. If you can find a used undertray, coupled with a new belt, it should alleviate this problem. The fan is pulling water spray upon the belts. I say find a used undertray because I think they are NLA. (No longer available)

JR

[DaveVoorhis]

But don't you guys think that, at speed, the steering wheel should be fairly easy to turn - martin is describing a hard almost ignition lock-like difficulty

Absolutely. I once had the power steering pump fail on a '67 Oldsmobile Toronado -- a staggeringly weighty front-wheel drive vehicle with massive tires and heavy-duty suspension and steering linkage -- and I didn't even notice it until the car slowed to a crawl. If the steering is literally locking up at speed, it could well be more serious than water on the pump belt.

[Qube]

As usual, Martin, Brandon, Jeff N. are spot on with the diagnosis. If you can find a used undertray, coupled with a new belt, it should alleviate this problem. The fan is pulling water spray upon the belts. I say find a used undertray because I think they are NLA. (No longer available)

JR

Or order one from BMA. I did last year...

[bahnstormer]

well i'll def try the suggestions out here first and if it is a more niche problem i'll try to diagnose it more later on

[Paul in NZ]

didnt your mom tell you not to play in the puddles?

[bahnstormer]

ok anyone know what that plastic under tray splash guard thing is called ?

[Jr ///M5]

It's called "Engine Compartment Screening"...part # 51711938182. It's on realoem, try calling Patrick at BMW with number and see if you can still get it. You'll also need the plastic 10mm nuts to attach it to the existing studs already in place just waiting for your installation.

Hope this helps,
JR

[blue540]

When I first got my E34 I experienced an ignition lock style steering freeze up when accelerating round a tight bend. It turned out to be the engine mount.

Very similar to what Shogun describes except in my case, as the engine twisted to toward the right of the car under power the exhaust manifold was catching on the universal joint for the steering..(UK car, V8 engine)

Worth checking, Foot on brake and a bit of throttle while in gear with the hood up.... My mount was so shot that I thought the engine was going to flip out onto the pavement....

[bahnstormer]

helps very much! thank you kind sir

also thanks to qube who PM'ed me