Hi, This morning been in a supermarket car-park and when I tried to reverse my 525BMW E60, with the steering turned to the limit, it went stiff and hard to turn, then got a CHARGING FAULT. Switched off and restarted and steering turned normal, then did it several times when turning sharp turns.
Managed to drive home slowly with steering working but it turned stiff again when parking.
I have noticed that;
Steering pump seizes or becomes stiff at extremes with the Alternator not running (charging Fault)SMELL OF BURNING BELT
Does not happen all the time.
When this happens, If I stop and restart engine steering will turn normal but if left in this position will become stiff.
Oil is not Low.
Changed all oil about a year ago.
Any ideas? Could it be overshooting a setting and locking up?
Will DIS diagnostics show anything?