[mefferso]

I currently have ~80,000 miles on my 335d. I've noticed a slow build up on the steering column u-joint where it attaches to the rack and pinion. See attached pic. Also, I have slightly excessive drift/wandering at 70+mph. This sloppiness started maybe 10,000 miles ago. I assumed it was b/c my runflats were wearing out. I've since put on a set of Michelin PSS tires and the drifting continues.

Is there a seal or something similar causing the leak? Could there be some relation to the leak and sloppiness to the steering?

Thanks

[BruceJ]

Question for you - I noticed a Black 2011 335is convertible for sale in Covington, La. You wouldn't by chance know anything about this car. I'm interested but its high mileage and a risk at the asking price.
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...ink=true&Log=0
Thanks!

To answer your question:

The short answer is if your car is drifting noticeably at highway speed you need to have an alignment shop you trust take a look at it. If you just got new tires the timing is perfect. If you already had it aligned I would take it back and tell them what's going on, or find someone with a good reputation. I have had cars with freshly rebuilt suspension, fresh off the alignment rack with grossly screwed up settings because the mechanic was in a hurry and didn't check his work.

The leakage you are seeing is from your power steering rack. I wouldn't worry too much about it. There should be grease just under that cap to keep a shaft/bushing lubricated. Looks like some of the grease has just come out over time. This is normal. I'm pretty sure I see a zerk fitting right there for adding grease.

Best case it could be as simple as the front/rear or both Tire toe-in is set too neutrally. You need some slight toe in to keep your car tracking in the direction you point it. This is more noticeable at highway speed.

With 88k miles you may need to have some suspension refresh done. The older 3 series (e30,36 &46) had front control arm and rear trailing arm bushings that typically lasted 60-100k miles under normal driving. While your E90-93 chassis is much different it still has hard rubber bushings as part of the moving/steering components. Do you have any other symptoms, like, steering wheel vibrates under braking when at highway speed. If so this is usually a good indication its time for new bushings.

Hope this helps
Good Luck
Bruce

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

I've noticed this exact phenomenon on my car as well. I like Bruce's logic. It makes sense. I haven't noticed anything leaking around that area either. I also would chalk it up to the grease added to that U-Joint. I wonder if that is a zerk fitting as well. If so, load it on up with grease.