BMW cars are generally fun to drive. This is in part due to their great steering which is enhanced with features built into most of their vehicles. However, the problem of increased steering effort can be found in BMWs at times. Let’s see what sort of malfunction causes increased steering effort BMW.
Power steering
Just about any vehicle in the BMW catalog is equipped with a power steering system. This system has been applied for over 40 years now, allowing drivers to get much better handling from their vehicles.
The power steering system has had its updates but its current form is still heavily inspired by the decades-old component.
A BMW power steering system utilizes power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Which is a combination that has proven useful over the years.
When a power steering system starts to give out, we can experience a huge downgrade in our general handling. Doubly so if the malfunction of the system ends up being a much more concerning part of our vehicle than initially assumed.
Regardless, we won’t get maximum efficiency out of this functionality or the car itself unless we take a look into these problems.
Increased Steering Effort BMW
Of course, there are potential causes of the issues that BMW can experience that aren’t as broad as a power system malfunction. These far more specific issues are great to scope out, potentially saving our car from more complex issues.
- Defective pump
A pump can often be a source of issues for the BMW’s steering. This component is responsible for the power of steering generally, which means its malfunction can heavily hamper it.
As the power steering pump allows the steering gear to properly operate through its function, the correlation between the two is quite direct.
However, the pump can be easily strained if we do not apply proper maintenance. The lack of said maintenance as well as low fluid to support the pump results in it wearing out far sooner than it should. [1]
There are generally two steps to the malfunction of a pump. The first one involves the pump not maintaining proper fluid pressure.
This concern can make our car’s power steering work at a reduced capacity. The mismatch in pressure is quite important for the said component.
However, the problems can escalate from that point on. The escalation will lead to the power steering system itself ceasing to work.
No matter which option affects our car at the moment, the problems will be made apparent soon. Taking too long to address them will make the said problems even worse, potentially resulting in the pump completely breaking down.
- Contamination of steering fluid
Steering fluid is a part of our car that allows proper lubrication to the components used in the process of steering. They are generally suggested to be replaced at [time period here] however, any amount of changes can help us stay safe from the following issue.
Contaminated fluid is as useless as having no fluid. In fact, contaminated fluid can be more dangerous than a plain amount of fluid.
With the possibility that even freshly poured one could be made contaminated indicating greater issues with the component.
Contamination can come from all sorts of sources. Even a simple thing such as dirt or dust can end up causing our fluids to become useless.
There are a ton of reasons why contamination can occur. Leaks and cracks in a hose that transports the fluid to the car’s power steering are the most common issues.
However, loose hose coupling or improper sealing will affect the hose too. [2]
- Snapped belt
The serpentine belt in the vehicle functions with multiple vital components, enabling their function and making sure there’s nothing odd going on with them. This can be quite troublesome for our BMW’s power steering.
The belt is especially impactful due to causing issues with the power steering pump itself. Which partially ties back into the initial problem. [3]
Of course, there are a few unique issues that snapped belts can cause. Most of them tie back into the functionality of our power steering.
Because of this belt acting as a connecting factor between important components the difficulty of steering could come from poor interaction as well. [4]
Thankfully, the snapped belt is not too difficult to resolve. As long as we take some time and purchase the component, we can switch it out without taking too much time or money. Though it will require you to check the manual.
Solutions to Increased Steering Effort
Although a visit to the mechanic’s shop is recommended, there are ways to get around the issues with our systems. The first is simply updating the car’s software as the increased steering effort can come from it.
As mentioned before, consistently changing the fluid is a great way to avoid issues with steering fluids. Considering how easy it is for this fluid to get contaminated, it’s good to take this extra precaution.
Switching out a snapped belt is rather snappy to resolve as well. As described above, a quick look at the manual can cut down any issues we experience.
Related: Steering Assist is Reduced Drive With Care
Increased steering effort BMW
Steering effort is not something we want no matter the car. That’s why these snappy fixes can prove invaluable, especially in the long run.
Getting a car checked for additional problems is smart if any of these escalate into something more dangerous. Though it pays to consult the BMW forums first.
Read Also: Run Flat Indicator Inoperative
Conclusion
Steering effort in BMW is associated with the malfunction of its power steering or some other component. The problems present there lessens the driving experience of the entire car. The most problematic part of them is the complete deterioration of the elements used in them.
With a lot of these issues, we can find a decent solution that’s applicable at home. Though it doesn’t go amiss to do a check if multiple problems crop up at the same time.
The experience of driving a BMW is extremely enjoyable which is why the extra effort on maintaining the vehicle in top form is appreciated.
Read Also: SOS Inoperative Mercedes
