airbag excessive play in steering.

[chasiubao]

anyone have experience with excessive play with an airbag car? I think it has to do with the knuckle design. Previous owner said he replaced all steering related items control arm, bushings, tie rods etc. I'd like to just swap the knuckles from a non air bag in....let me know your collective thoughts.

[gearheadE30]

the only thing that is really different about the airbag cars is the column and a little flex disk. I think the u-joint is the same. the disk can't have any play in it unless it is broken, but that would be a bit obvious. Also, there is a nut on the steering column that you have to remove the knee bolster to get to, on the inside of the car. It can cause a steering thump if it isn't tight enough.

Honestly, though, I'd say its probly worn tie rods or worn control arm bushings.

[ian e30 318is]

I've had a small clunk noise when moving the steering wheel back and forth but i just replaced the tie rods and i took off the bolster off and made sure the nut was tight, so i know it isn't one of those. The only other thing that makes sense is the u-joint. anyone have any ideas?

edit: could it possibly be that i need a new steering rack?

[Knockenwelle]

The airbag column is a notorious piece of shit. There's no real bearing support at the bottom of the column, only a bunch of tiny plastic pieces and bushings which all wear out. You could order all that new and tighten it up to factory spec, or rip it out and use a much better non-airbag column. Search for swap details.