[lordofthering]

Originally Posted by BJK1903

Ok guys,
This is what i did.

Bought a WD-40 and white lithium grease.

Open your hood and spray the WD-40 all around the lower steering shaft over night. Just spray and turn the wheel and just keep spraying.
In the morning you will notice that the steering wheel is just like new. Now open the hood and spray that white lithium grease and just keep turning the steering wheel. Leave it for an hour or so.

It will fix it. At least it did mine. It's been about 2-3 weeks since I did it, and it still works like a charm. Saved my ass $600 :happy anim:

I have tried below:
1) Checked Fluid - Good
2) Checked Power Steering Pump - Good
3) Sprayed WD-40 and Lithium Grease on U-Joint under Air Box where Steering wheel is connected. - NO Change after spraying

Nothing above helped. My power steering is very hard and I can tell you for sure it is not usual since I do have E60 and it has great power steering. Something is wrong with my E90 (2006 235XI). Can anyone please give me a hint what could be issue ?

[Dhillon92]

When this happened to my car, dealer replaced the lower steering joint, problem solved.

[J. Dub]

Interesting

[kyle335xi]

So my car is starting to have a similar problem to this. My steering wheel ONLY ON SOME DAYS will be extremely hard to steer. And it's only hard to steer for like a full turn then after that it's fine. It feels so weird I have no clue what it is. If it had to do with my assembly wouldn't I feel it all the time?

[beemerbob1]

I also have been having the same problem on my 2007 328xi. The problem is intermittent but after being somewhat ok for 3-4 months the problem is back with a vengeance. I flushed my power steering fluid this evening and that has not made a difference. My tires are good and I don't see any leaks around the boots on the steering rack? It appears to be a common problem on these 328's but I have not found sure fix for it yet?

[beemerbob1]

I removed the air cleaner and sprayed WD40 on the u-joints on the steering column as well as where the steering column comes out through the firewall and the car steers like new again. I'm going to go back in and put a heavier grease or oil on there, can anyone recommend what is best?

Thanks BKJ1903

Whew, sure am glad I didn't invest in a power steering pump or a rack!

[firemanjust1]

Just fixed this problem it will help with wd-40 or greasing on the u-joint but the real fix is to replace lower steering u-joint 280.00 part and 2 hrs of labor. The indy shop that fixed it says it is becoming very common as these cars age.

[2013X1inTexas]

Reviving this thread. Having the same issues as described by most. Hard to turn steering. Was like that on the test drive and hasn't gotten any better. The only lube I had was a gear and chain lube. Had some white lithium grease but the straw is really short and I didn't want to make a mess. After applying I turned the wheel from lock up to lock up. Then I sprayed some more to let it sit overnight. Checking it in the morning to see if that helps. I couldn't find the reservoir to check the fluid level for power steering. Any point in that direction would be appreciated.

Note: My vehicle is a 2010 X5 xdrive35d.

[Bmw34023]

i just did this and sprayed the wd40 lithium grey grease and it worked like a charm. i wonder how long it will hold up .

[Soravia]

The U joint is VERY simple piece. It either works or it's completely broken.
What you're most likely having is power steering pump failing. The fluid gets old and the hose breaks off, sending crap into the pump, heating it up and clogging.
My 2011 had pump replaced by second owner before 60k miles. Yours might be due.
Old fluid and hoses cause that. Don't just add fluid, replace it, along with hoses. Ensure it's correct fluid.
Putting in wrong fluid also kills the pump due to different viscosity.

[mrtpbarca]

I had the same problem and lubricating the U-joint of the lower steering shaft fixed it.
My mechanic said it is best to use silicone based lubricant.
Pictures to locate U-joint from hood attached. .