Play in front wheel (Tie rod?)

[unrlmth]

With the car off the ground there is play in the front right wheel. Its only in the horizontal axis. Everything is solid until you get to the spot where the tie rod connects to the steering rack. Does this sound like it will be fixed by replacing the tie rod? Is there a possibility that my steering rack will need to be replaced?

Thanks

[jlevie]

Play in the wheel on the horizontal axis is worn tie rods.

The shaft in the rack that the tie rods connect to is a solid piece of steel. So if you have play when wiggling the wheel it has to come from the tie rods. You could have a worn rack, but the symptoms of that would be excessive motion of the steering wheel before the wheels begin to turn (with good tie rods).

Replace the complete tie rod on both sides. You'll need both tie rods and a pair of boots/clamps.

[unrlmth]

Play in the wheel on the horizontal axis is worn tie rods.

The shaft in the rack that the tie rods connect to is a solid piece of steel. So if you have play when wiggling the wheel it has to come from the tie rods. You could have a worn rack, but the symptoms of that would be excessive motion of the steering wheel before the wheels begin to turn (with good tie rods).

Replace the complete tie rod on both sides. You'll need both tie rods and a pair of boots/clamps.

Thanks. So it seems like my rack is fine. :)

Also where are the cheapest places to order parts from online? Preferably on the west coast, but not in CA. I am also planning on ondering a set of Bilstein Sports and springs so it would be nice to get them all at the same time.

[JoeyBones]

www.partsgeek.com and www.fap99.com for great prices. Or talk to Blunt, I've never ordered from him, but lots do and say great things.

[ak-]

Side to side play can also be your control arm balljoint..
Take a peek at it while you move the wheel the way you mention and make sure the joint doesn't shift around.

Balljoints aren't replaceable on stock E30 control arms, so take that into account.
You will need to replace the whole arm.

Goodluck!

Edit: Sorry, not sure exactly on what axis you were talking about. I was assuming having your hands at 9 and 3 on the tire.

[unrlmth]

Side to side play can also be your control arm balljoint..
Take a peek at it while you move the wheel the way you mention and make sure the joint doesn't shift around.

Balljoints aren't replaceable on stock E30 control arms, so take that into account.
You will need to replace the whole arm.

Goodluck!

Edit: Sorry, not sure exactly on what axis you were talking about. I was assuming having your hands at 9 and 3 on the tire.

Thanks, but I don't think that it is. When I had the car up on the jack stands, I wiggled the wheel around and it seemed like the only place with play was where the tie rod attached to the steering rack (under the boot). But, I'll make sure to check out the bj before I order any parts.

[JoeyBones]

Side to side play can also be your control arm balljoint..
Take a peek at it while you move the wheel the way you mention and make sure the joint doesn't shift around.

Balljoints aren't replaceable on stock E30 control arms, so take that into account.
You will need to replace the whole arm.

Goodluck!

Edit: Sorry, not sure exactly on what axis you were talking about. I was assuming having your hands at 9 and 3 on the tire.

This is untrue... you can infact replace the balljoints.... you just need a good press to do so. Don't expect to "rig up a tool" and have it work properly and be safe.

[ak-]

This is untrue... you can infact replace the balljoints.... you just need a good press to do so. Don't expect to "rig up a tool" and have it work properly and be safe.

Replace mine then. I don't want to buy a new arm.
Though I know what you're talking about, nobody wants to do it for me because they aren't "replaceable".

[JoeyBones]

Replace mine then. I don't want to buy a new arm.
Though I know what you're talking about, nobody wants to do it for me because they aren't "replaceable".

haha i would if you were close enough to make it cost effective!

[ak-]

:[

[unrlmth]

Well I have 2 lemforder (sp) ties rods and a set of bilstein sports sitting in my livingroom. Just need to get the rest of my order to start installing.

BTW I bough them from blunt and the less than 24 hour shipping is pretty cool. :)