Steering wheel clunk on my '90 iX? Is there an adjustment screw...

[audiquattrot]

I can tighten under the lower dash, similar to the issues on the regular RWD airbag cars? I was looking at realoem.com, and the diagrams for the lower steering columns look completely different.

I was presuming my rattle/clunk issue going on rough pavement and/or bumps that is audible inside the cabin, was a result of the loose bolt....now I'm starting to think otherwise. Can anyone shed some light on this? TIA.

[nando]

there is, it's near the firewall.

Go ahead and tighten it, but that's unlikely to be it. First check things like tie rods, ball joints, and the rack. Then remove and inspect the steering shaft U-joint. there's a really good chance your problem is there.

[audiquattrot]

there is, it's near the firewall.

Go ahead and tighten it, but that's unlikely to be it. First check things like tie rods, ball joints, and the rack. Then remove and inspect the steering shaft U-joint. there's a really good chance your problem is there.

awesome thanks.....i have yet to get the car up on the lift, but your right something tells me the problem is elsewhere. Was going to drop the lower dash tonight, and try to tighten that nut first...then go from there. Is that nut a 32mm (assuming you'd know) like the RWD E30s?

btw i should mention its more of a rattle that sounds like its coming from right behind the steering wheel. Almost like something is loose right behind it.

[nando]

yeah, I think it's 32mm. I used an adjustable wrench.

I know the sound, trust me. I spent a long time tracking it down, even replaced the rack and tie rods. I didn't find it until it got so bad it popped very loudly when I turned the wheel. removed the u-joint and it was super loose..

[audiquattrot]

snapped spring & blown shock will do it. lol

next challenge....actually getting the strut housing out of the car so I can actually replace the front shock/springs =P

[audiquattrot]

yeah, I think it's 32mm. I used an adjustable wrench.

I know the sound, trust me. I spent a long time tracking it down, even replaced the rack and tie rods. I didn't find it until it got so bad it popped very loudly when I turned the wheel. removed the u-joint and it was super loose..

did you replace the u-joint or is there a way to tighten it once removed? I haven't ventured under there yet....but plan on it once it gets a little warmer

95% of the clunk went away once i replaced the broken front spring & blown shocks....the ball joints on the control arm are good...and so are the tie-rods....I hear it time to time when i drive over really rocky or cobblestone roads.

[nando]

I replaced the U-joint, yes.

[Heysüß]

was it any of these? the u-joint you replaced?

I also have a loud clunking sound right behind the steering wheel when going over bumps such as railroad tracks and the steering has some play. I actually got to witness the steering getting loose since I bought the car, the sound right behind the steering wheel got louder and I felt the steering get less and less precise.

[nando]

none of those are ix parts, but it looks sort of like the one on the very end of the shaft.

[supernaughtIX]

that clunking and play in the steering is likely an issue to do with what Nando replaced. The joint there will wear and can also start to seize, though those dont always happen together.
Ive also replaced mine, makes a big difference.

[Heysüß]

I'm gonna be a bit lazy and ask what all needs to be removed to inspect this section. The bentley is pretty bad about explaining the assembly about this area of the car, all they have are two or three pictures of a bolt or two.

[nando]

on an ix? you need to remove the bolts from the u-joint, loosen the slip collar on the shaft (so you can push it up into the column) and remove the u-joint itself. You can't tell how worn it is if it's on the car, mine was popping loudly but there was no noticeable play when I looked, until I actually removed it.

on a RWD car, I have no idea.

[jaynlene]

i just purchase my first e30 2 weeks ago clean no rust lots of work need to be done, the first thing that did is the clunking noise in the dash. its a steering u join is loose .located under the dash close to firewall . after i make that thing tight that clunking noise disappear. i am really happy solve my first problem..I am here in anchorage alaska.

[Alaska E30ix]

Are you talking about this







sometimes they are loose..

[audiquattrot]

been putting this off....need to really address it! everything tightened up for a yr or so (with only a faint clunk after I'd replaced almost every suspension part)....now the steering wheel clunk is getting progressively worse....and the steering play is all over the place. The odd thing is, when the roads are wet during a rain storm, under hgway speed i get almost this feeling in the steering wheel like a bent wheel would....but in dry conditions its not evident. Wondering if its related to this u-joint.

I'll report back when i get the car on the lift to check it out.