When the car's cold the steering feels very strange, almost like it's not connected to something properly (it's worse when cold, but still there when warmed up). It sometimes kicks back as well if i turn the wheel sharply. It's difficult to describe, but does this ring any bells with anyone? The tie rods look tired, could it be that? Steering box, pitman arm, power steering? I've changed the pentosin and that looks good.

if you already found bad tie rods get them replaced first before going any further with your analysis. Since it seems to be partially temperature related it very well can be some screwed up joints. Once the grease filling (if any left) warms up it might reduce the phenomenon.

did you bleed the system once you changed the pentosin?
this i how you do it
start the car. turn the steering wheel three times to both full stops.
put a hose on the bleeder valve and route it into the the pentosin filler
bottle. open the bleeder valve.
i assume you got a load of air in the system.

did you bleed the system once you changed the pentosin?
this i how you do it
start the car. turn the steering wheel three times to both full stops.
put a hose on the bleeder valve and route it into the the pentosin filler
bottle. open the bleeder valve.
i assume you got a load of air in the system.

Where is this bleeder valve located?

The bleed valve is located on the driver's side fender near the shock tower mount. It looks like a brake bleeder valve and should have a small rubber cap on it like a tire valve stem cap.

*****Note*****

The ASC-only hydraulic system like mines is self-bleeding. Just turn the wheel lock-to-lock 5 times and jab the brakes a bunch.

I didn't know you could bleed the pentosin, so i'll do that at the weekend. I'll also change the tierods as i've got a shiny set of Meyles sitting in the garage that have been there for about 6 months. Does anyone have the problem that it's easier to buy bits than find the time to fit them so you end up with loads of new parts sitting in the garage collecting dust? :rolleyes

When was the last time you did your sway bar links?

I'm embarrassed to admit that I have a set of new Meyles sway bar links sitting next to the tie rods in the garage...i'm a nightmare.

LOL aww man.

I had the tie-rods and sway bar links fitted today (by someone else :( as i have no time....bloody kids!), doesn't seem to have made much difference. I'll bleed the pentosin tomorrow, but i really think it's something mechanical.

You should take a closer look for warn steering parts, Any vibrations at certain speeds?

Thanks Eights. I do have a nasty vibration between about 70mph and 80mph. It doesn't shake through the steering wheel, it's the whole cabin that shakes, it's not good. I have e39 wheels on which are the wrong hub size but I do have the correct hub centric rings (which solved my major 50mph steering wheel shake). I suspect the shaking is a different issue (but is doing my head in so if you have any tips let me know). I have replaced upper control arms, tie rods and stabiliser links.

The steering feels sloppy and feels like a joint of some variety has worn out. I have no idea how the steering column connects to the tie rods and which parts are likely to wear out. Should I start replacing steering parts and see how I get on? If so where should I start?

it's time for the lower control arm then. lemfoerder is the weapon of choice

Jack the car up and check all the steering components for slack, Could be just a control arm, Check it all including the arms/bars behind and above the cross member, Pitman, Center control etc.. This sounds like a DIY'er.