'02 540i PS problem

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

dwilli - 04 Jun 2009 14:59 GMT

When I accelerate around a corner or from a stop, making a turn at a street corner for example, LOTS of resistance in the steering. Doesn't seem to make a lot of difference if the AC is on, maybe some. It does NOT happen when DE-celerating. I don't know if it's the power steering pump or the main drive belt but the AC is really, really sluggish when sitting idleing.

130,000 miles on it, 95% highway. Love this car.

Can anybody help before I take it to the shop?

tx,
dale

Reply to this Message

Scott Dorsey - 04 Jun 2009 15:07 GMT

>When I accelerate around a corner or from a stop, making a turn at a =
>street corner for example, LOTS of resistance in the steering. Doesn't =
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
>Can anybody help before I take it to the shop?

That is most apt to be a power steering pump, yes. The fluid level is
right, you've never let it run dry, and you've changed the fluid every
five years or so? Mind you, there is a lot of regulation in there too
and those valves can get plugged up or fail, also.
--scott

Signature

"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."

Reply to this Message

Miike G - 04 Jun 2009 15:39 GMT

When I accelerate around a corner or from a stop, making a turn at a street
corner for example, LOTS of resistance in the steering. Doesn't seem to make
a lot of difference if the AC is on, maybe some. It does NOT happen when
DE-celerating. I don't know if it's the power steering pump or the main
drive belt but the AC is really, really sluggish when sitting idleing.

130,000 miles on it, 95% highway. Love this car.

Can anybody help before I take it to the shop?

Check the tension of the belt driving the p/s pump.
Sounds like it might be slipping under load, especially if it also drives
the a/c compressor.
Mike. UK.

tx,
dale

Reply to this Message