I’ve owned my 04 3.0 Z4 manual a few years now and it’s been great, super reliable but starting to have a few issues so needs some tlc. Power steering has started cutting out, dash light comes on, usually resets ok after key off/on. Looks like I need to get the motor out? Can anyone help with pics and instructions on motor removal? Would prefer not to remove whole column if possible. Thx from West Sussex
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Power Steering Help New Member
- Thread starter 88Z4
- Start date
Good morning, I've done a few of these now and can probably help you, but never got around to writing a 'how-to' for it. I don't disturb the column at all.88Z4 said:
Whereabouts in Sussex are you and how urgently do you need it sorted?
I'm in Norfolk but have family in Littlehampton. So I could get down there, but it won't be until after 17th July due to holidays.
When you get the motor out it's a 4-5 day turn round from ECU Testing, so the car is effectively immobilsed for a while.
Another option may be to get another unit reconditioned, then just do a straight swap. I have got this down to about 2 hours now, including seat out and steering wheel off for access.
If that option sounds a good one, then I have a spare motor here which I could get done.
When it fails, check if the sport button works. If it doesn't then most likely the motor.88Z4 said:
If it still works then potentially the Steering Angle Sensor playing up.
What is interesting is that you are actually seeing codes? Usually when it fails it cannot communicate at all. So next time it fails, don't reset, do a code read in it's failed state and see if you can actually communicate with it.
Appreciate the advice and help!!I’ve just done a few checks and seems to be code 611c throughout:
Started up No dash lights, checked (Using a Carly) - 00611c steering torque present(listed in hifi system?!)
Sport button light comes on ok
Triggered steering issue by Turning to full lock stationary - has always been more prone to the issue in low speed high turn, especially if hitting lock stops
Sport button light switches on/off ok with steeeing light on and no power assist
Fault codes now same 611c
Steering light off after key off/on and full power assist
Tripped again twice in low speed manoeuvre reset both times after key off & on
Sport button working ok
Short drive no issues including a few sharp turns
Checked codes 00611c still present but steering working ok
Not sure why it works ok with 611c and then trips with no different codes?
Hope you’ve seen something like this before!?
Started up No dash lights, checked (Using a Carly) - 00611c steering torque present(listed in hifi system?!)
Sport button light comes on ok
Triggered steering issue by Turning to full lock stationary - has always been more prone to the issue in low speed high turn, especially if hitting lock stops
Sport button light switches on/off ok with steeeing light on and no power assist
Fault codes now same 611c
Steering light off after key off/on and full power assist
Tripped again twice in low speed manoeuvre reset both times after key off & on
Sport button working ok
Short drive no issues including a few sharp turns
Checked codes 00611c still present but steering working ok
Not sure why it works ok with 611c and then trips with no different codes?
Hope you’ve seen something like this before!?
If that is now the only code then it points to the torque sensor within the column. It’s a ribbon wound around the column and it can break at the ends, if it completely fails it can yank the steering back against you.
It is possible to repair by dismantling the column but not the easiest job. Much simpler to fit a complete new column. Done it twice before, not as scary as it sounds.
Is the car auto or manual as the columns are different.
It is possible to repair by dismantling the column but not the easiest job. Much simpler to fit a complete new column. Done it twice before, not as scary as it sounds.
Is the car auto or manual as the columns are different.