steering linkage clunking?

[KenC]

Sometimes when i go over bumps i feel a clunking in the front end. i can feel it in the steering wheel and it sounds like its coming from under the dash. is there something in the steering linkage that needs to be replaced? (i just bought the car and havent checked out anything yet)

[jlevie]

Start by doing a full inspection of the car (control arms, CABs, tie rods, upper strut mounts, struts, wheel bearings, steering rack, motor/trans mounts, etc). You'll probably find worn parts that when replaced will fix the problem

[mattdk318i]

Its the CABs all day long. replacing the entire bottom control arm is recommended. It saves alot more time and kills 3 birds with one stone.

[Brew]

Sounds like the collar nut on the steering column has loosened up. Happens on almost every one of these cars. You'll see the nut when you pop the knee bolster out.

[KenC]

Sounds like the collar nut on the steering column has loosened up. Happens on almost every one of these cars. You'll see the nut when you pop the knee bolster out.

Sounds like the culprit. I'll check it out tonight. Everything else on the car is tight... maintained at the dealer its whole life (until now that is lol).

[MR 325]

Sounds like the collar nut on the steering column has loosened up. Happens on almost every one of these cars. You'll see the nut when you pop the knee bolster out.

Yup, a pretty popular issue with airbag cars.

[KenC]

pretty evident with the bolster off?

[tjts1]

I have the same steering column clunk and have replaced both the CABs and control arms in the last 1000 miles. I'll check it out. Thanks for the tip.

[KenC]

Sounds like the collar nut on the steering column has loosened up. Happens on almost every one of these cars. You'll see the nut when you pop the knee bolster out.

BINGO! Tightened it up tonight, and it's all gone. BTW, holy shit that thing has to be tight.

[fretburnr]

i have to tighten that damn collar nut every year or two.

[Mike325]

Is this a problem with non airbag cars? Glad you found the problem:)

[silversleeper]

Yup, a pretty popular issue with airbag cars.

any chance the same thing applies to non-airbag cars? mine has a slight noise, as does my other e30. it is a lot more evident on the other e30 though.