Steering column vibration over small, irregular bumps

[txtorquemade]

Since owning the car the steering wheel feels "loose" when going over small bumps. Ive replaced CA/s FCABs TRs sway links etc. Also strut mounts, struts and springs. HR sports/Bils sports, stock strut mounts.

It feels like there is a loose bushing, bracket, something mechanical in the steering column itself, behind the dash. I have not replaced the steering coupling guibo, yet, although I suspect it could be that as well, but I feel it and hear it rattling actually behind the dash.

Ive looked at realOEM diagrams and it seems there it is a two piece column. Car is a 90 325i.

This shit is making me nuts though and I want to fix it right. The car handles crazy good and rides well too, except for this problem

Any help, ideas appreciated.

[M-technik-3]

Sounds like you have found the last remain piece of the pie.

[jjc-hi]

When I drive over small bumps my steering rattles. When I grab the lower joint assembly and shake it there is a lot of play in it. I recently ordered the steering column lower joint assembly (32311157214) from Pelican.

[txtorquemade]

When I drive over small bumps my steering rattles. When I grab the lower joint assembly and shake it there is a lot of play in it. I recently ordered the steering column lower joint assembly (32311157214) from Pelican.

yeah.. as I recall last I had mine on a lift I did that and it had a LOT of play in it coming out of the firewall down near the rack.

[Sagaris]

Spend 3 minutes dropping the kick panel above the pedals. There is a 32mm collar nut that connects the two separate pieces of the column. Snug that thing down real good. Go for a drive. feelsgoodman.jpg

[txtorquemade]

Spend 3 minutes dropping the kick panel above the pedals. There is a 32mm collar nut that connects the two separate pieces of the column. Snug that thing down real good. Go for a drive. feelsgoodman.jpg

Good idea, Im on it.

Will report back!

Thanks!!

[txtorquemade]

32mm Collar nut was the culprit

I did as you suggested.

Man, that bitch was hard to break but once I did it snugged up about 2-3 full turns and I could feel the shaft getting tighter and tighter.

I couldn't crank all the way down on the threads though. But I found that the Bavauto 32mm fan wrench was the perfect tool! Lots of leverage and got it as tight as possible.

Test drive proved it worked. No more vibration from the steering column. No rattle. Much improved. I'd say 95% improved. Might still need a new steering coupling guibo, but it actually looks ok. ;)

[CorvallisBMW]

Yep, that nut is loose on a lot of cars. Snug that bitch down!

[Sagaris]

Bueno!

[be34st]

Oh snapps! For sure gonna do this when I get home hopefully I can find my 32mm wrench. I can never keep up with my tools for some reason.