Power steering issue M135i

[DuckSauce]

Need some advice on my power steering, this morning it feels a lot heavier than normal and doesn't always self centre as quick.
A quick Google and I've found that it's electric and not a fluid based system, as I was going to check there wasn't a leak 🤦

Is there anything I can actually check on it?
2013 M135i with 47k

[Mr Happy]

It might be the lower universal joint (UJ) between the column and the rack. They dry out and start to seize up and ultimately need replacing. I think this might be your issue going by balance of probability.

https://www.babybmw.net/threads/intermittent-heavy...

It might also be the thrust washer assembly, but this is more likely if you have a knock in the steering when rocking it from side to side with the engine off.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-ldEEQiSGE&pp...

[kiethton]

Was about to say it could be the UJ - ours has started doing the same....hopefully not badly enough to fail the MOT on Wednesday

[FamousPheasant]

The above advice is spot on. My 4 series had exactly the same symptoms and after have the UJs lubed up by the local indy has been absolutely fine.

[DuckSauce]

I shall have a look at that. The issue seems to have cleared for now, but we've had a lot of rain, so it could be the joint has "lubed" itself for a bit