2005 E60 530d auto power steering

[Solo Man]

My brother's car's steering suddenly became extremely heavy when he tried to drive it yesterday. Fluid level is fine, belt is fine but when engine is running the steering can be turned with great effort and then only about 15 degrees before locking up. We think it is the power steering pump that has packed up but any one with similar experience please comment. Car has done about 218k kms.

 

[Solo Man]

OK, latest is that it could be the dampener pulley that is past its sell by date.

 

[individj]

let us know if that is the case when you know please.

 

[sash]

OK, latest is that it could be the dampener pulley that is past its sell by date.

This was my first thought , but it shouldn't lock. I think it may still be related to the pump, but dampner signs are easier to spot.

 

[evnmopwr]

I think the Pully on your 05 E60 is the same as the one on my 03 E46 330d

Holla if you need it

 

[tumzozo]

I have experienced the same issue and it turned out to be the pump. Replaced the pump and all was fine.

 

[Solo Man]

It seems to be the dampener. My brother tells me they started the car and turned the steering wheel. The belt stops moving and and the dampener smokes. He will be getting a new dampener tomorrow and he found a BMW mechanic (works for himself) just down the road from him who will be replacing it for R650. I have the four torx bolt dampener on my car and my brothers 2006 is the same.

 

[evnmopwr]

It seems to be the dampener. My brother tells me they started the car and turned the steering wheel. The belt stops moving and and the dampener smokes. He will be getting a new dampener tomorrow and he found a BMW mechanic (works for himself) just down the road from him who will be replacing it for R650. I have the four torx bolt dampener on my car and my brothers 2006 is the same.

My Advice, by these OEM only.

the Topran aftermarket ones and the likes, they dont last long.

 

[sash]

It seems to be the dampener. My brother tells me they started the car and turned the steering wheel. The belt stops moving and and the dampener smokes. He will be getting a new dampener tomorrow and he found a BMW mechanic (works for himself) just down the road from him who will be replacing it for R650. I have the four torx bolt dampener on my car and my brothers 2006 is the same.

The burning rubber smell is a dead giveaway.

 

[graan13]

As Sash said. Happened to mine parked at the dealership whilst getting some spare wheel nuts, got back in and had same. Was the crank shaft pulley dampner shearing. I was charged an arm and a leg at BMW for the repair - if I remember it was around the 7k mark!!

 

[billionairebum]

Goldwagen stock BBR parts for the damper last I checked. Anyone have any experience with them?

 

[Solo Man]

My brother replaced the torn dampener pulley on his car and it is driving fine now. Says he noticed a slight vibration a while back but it is also gone now. Could be the cracked dampener pulley caused the vibration. All is well now! Problem solved and car is back up for sale - see for sale section!