SERIOUS Steering Problem

[dovstar]

It's been raining a lot here in Los Angeles lately. When I drive through puddles more than an inch deep and the water splashes up under the car I have problems with the steering. The steering wheel doesn't want to turn. It will but with a lot of resistance and pulsing resistance (best way I can think of describing it). This lack of control goes away after about 4 or 5 seconds. This is a very scary problem considering I would not be able to steer in wet weather emergency. When the car is dry I have not noticed problems with the steering except maybe when I'm parallel parking and I steering at a low speed. I do feel resistance in the steering.

I am definitely taking the car to the mechanic soon. What could be causing this?

[auto da fe]

A loose belt on the power steering pump comes to mind.

[r1101r]

this happens occasionally with me too but i also have somewhat of a steering gap.

[moroza]

A loose belt on the power steering pump comes to mind.

+1

[Binjammin]

+1. The water is causing the belt on the power steering to slip, tighten the belt or replace it if it's worn.

[4500 RPM]

+1. The water is causing the belt on the power steering to slip, tighten the belt or replace it if it's worn.

Yup.

[r1101r]

Yup.
would that also take care of a gap in the steering ?

[dovstar]

Thanks. This helps narrow things down.

[elock]

would that also take care of a gap in the steering ?

What do you mean by "a gap in the steering?"

[r1101r]

i turn the steering wheel but the wheels dont turn until the wheel turns for about 10degrees

[moroza]

Sounds like your steering gearbox needs an adjustment (http://bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/steering/steering_box.htm).

[r1101r]

Sounds like your steering gearbox needs an adjustment (http://bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/steering/steering_box.htm).
does that mean that i will need to tighten the allen screw (write up from bmwe34.net??) ?

[moroza]

It's not really an allen (hex) screw, at least on mine, but yes.

[lughed]

Sounds like your steering gearbox needs an adjustment (http://bmwe34.net/e34main/maintenance/steering/steering_box.htm).
or you need suspension work

[Goat128]

sounds like power steering issue. if its the belt you would probably hear a squeaking noise. check your fluid level at the next oppty. if everything checks out ok, have the sytstem flush and replace with the correct fluid as shown on the lid.

[r1101r]

fluid is full, but looks like ill need to check the belt cuz it was raining like crazy and it felt like it was slipping....., though how much do u think it would cost for a p/s fluid flush...(isnt also tranny fluid?) if so i had that done not too long ago.

[dovstar]

Adjusted the belt this morning and the slipping has gone away. Still need to check the hoses and fluid and plan a flush/refill.

[r1101r]

Adjusted the belt this morning and the slipping has gone away. Still need to check the hoses and fluid and plan a flush/refill.
i just bought a new belt for extra precaution, but is there a spring tensioner or you tightened it with a bolt ???
thanks,

[r1101r]

where is the m20 power steering belt tensioner ????
PLZ PLZPLZPLZPLZ some1 reply ASAP
TIA :)