My expensive journey with bumpsteer and a tribute to Albert Fang - WP Auto

[advocates]

I wish to share my experience in trying to solve the bumpsteer issue affecting my 330i. The bumpsteer issues seems to affect the e46 both locally as well as in overseas. For most owners with this issue, it was settled when the steering coupling is replaced. However, the same cannot be said of my car.Bump steer is when you hit uneven road, the wheels seems to take over the steering and it kinda of control the steering wheel. I would say it has much feedback and it is rather irritating. When I first got the car, I replaced every suspension bush (Lemforder), absorber mounting and the absorber (BOGE). The bumpsteer was still there. I was told that my 18 inch rims could have caused the bumsteer and I changed my rims to 17 original rims with Nexen tires. The problem persisted!Went to a famous alignment shop and he was very confident that it is due to the tires as he said the koren tires are inferior in quality! Recommended me to change to Michellin PS3. I did and it was still the same! (Later on I changed to goodyear assymetric 2 as I didn't like the PS3).I was told then the original springs was too low and I did replace it as well. When it didn't solve the problem, I went ahead with my fav bilstein shocks coupled with eibach since I wanted to enhance the handling. (Eibach too soft and I recently changed to H & R..to me it is perfect balance between handling and ride).I changed the steering coupling to no avail. The steering column was rattling everytime the bumpsteer occurs, so i replaced the steering column as well (used).Thereafter, I sent the car to a well known workshop. The mechanic was helpful. He replaced the control arm bush (Lemforcer to Meyle) to see whether it was the cause of the bumsteer. It was not and he was kind enough to put back my Lemforder. He then replaced my steering rack with a used steering rack. Didn't solve the problem too! Anyway I pitied him as he spent a lot of time on my car, so I took the steering rack and paid him RM1.1k.When it did not eliminate the bumpsteer, the mechanic used some kinda of rubber hose to tie the steering column and it reduces the feedback to the driver, hence the effect/feedback of the bumpsteer did not transmit as much to the steering wheel although it was still there. He recommended me to change the lower arm claiming there was some free play although I just replaced it in march this year. I told him to go ahead although I don't think it is the culprit and true enough, it wasn't! lol. Usually bumpsteer is due to tie rod, steering coupling or lower arm. I have changed everything! Lol

 

[bmw7833]

So can i know how much u pay in final bill?

 

[advocates]

er..he has not billed me yet although I insisted to pay some labour charges. He said wait ..lol

 

[B33mEr]

Great review bro :top: ... Any pics of the nylon bushing and does it reduce steering feedback as a result?

 

[Vincent Hor]

Having known Albert for more than 10 years, I can attest that he tries his best for his customers. I also know of some customers who takes advantage of him too. There's no perfect mechanic out there & he is no exceptional.

As long as I know his is trying his best & charges me reasonably I have to be patient with him too.

 

[V-Man]

^ Seconded.

 

[advocates]

Hi B33mEr,

I will upload the pics. The steering feedback is as normal as it should...it reduced the bumpsteer to almost non-existent. Albert is well aware of this issue facing the e46 and that there are many who cant resolve this issue. I did ask him, since what he did can reduce the bumpsteer to almost non-existent, was the fault lies with the steering rack in the first place If it is, I don't mind buying a remanufactured steering rack from Bvarian Auto that costs RM2500 plus. He was honest enough to say he dare not to confirm...I told him the only way to find out is that I will get another steering rack from chop shop and try again...

 

[Ecc0]

is he good with M's ? If so, Ill be his preffered customer as I like to pay reward too, for decent mechanic as a small sign of respect for given service..may I get GPS location of his shop?

 

[Vincent Hor]

Maman's Z4 conversion to run with supercharger was carried out by Albert.

is he good with M's ? If so, Ill be his preffered customer as I like to pay reward too, for decent mechanic as a small sign of respect for given service..may I get GPS location of his shop?

 

[seech]

Having known Albert for more than 10 years, I can attest that he tries his best for his customers. I also know of some customers who takes advantage of him too. There's no perfect mechanic out there & he is no exceptional.

As long as I know his is trying his best & charges me reasonably I have to be patient with him too.

Patience Vincent... it's getting there. ;-)

 

[wingzee]

With such service and experience, I may look for him to solve my vibration issues then. Been to many workshops and none been able to point out the root cause.

 

[Ecc0]

.hey guys, can you share exact adress, if not GPS coordinates, of his shop ??

 

[azfartacos]

.hey guys, can you share exact adress, if not GPS coordinates, of his shop ??

it's near to pupspakom pandan indah
WP Auto Albert 0342955755

 

[Vincent Hor]

Yeah! Project should b moving soon

Patience Vincent... it's getting there. ;-)

 

[ssmann]

Hiyo, Albert sucks la....he really sucks.

Pls dont visit him, otherwise, regular and loyal customers like me will have to wait and wont be served.

Unker - dont reveal anymore info pls!!!

Hahahahahahahaha

Hidop Albert!! Hidop Albert!

 

[V-Man]

^ Betul Betul .... hahaha

 

[johnj]

Bhaii...lucky you carried on typing...hehehehe

 

[tropos_net]

Finally, he came up with the idea of inserting some nylon made bushes inside the steering rack to reduce the bumpsteer. He got the bushes in varying length and tried one by one until I am satisifed. This slight modification has reduced the bumpsteer almost completely!!!

 

[seech]

Yeah! Project should b moving soon

Call me.... I want to witness the historic moment!!!

 

[xcrave]

Wow do share the pics... How i wish ic an go there...