Play in the steering

[LoneWolf]

I just did new control arms on the e30 last weekend, got an alignment, and new tires.

The car drives and tracks a lot straighter. I am much happier.

But....

I still have about a 1/2" to 3/4" pf play left to right where it does not feel like the steering is grabbing.

You can feel it track freely on the road within that play in the steering.

For obvious reasons I don't like it.


I checked the tie rods and they feel solid, no slop.

What should I be checking next? steering rack?

I just want to make sure I trouble shoot it out and replace the right thing.

Thanks

[jlevie]

If there is no motion whatsoever in the tie rods, the rack or the flex joints in the steering column are all that is left as cause. Well, I guess the steering wheel splines could be worn and the nut loose, but that is rather unlikely.

Get the front of the car in air. Have a helper wiggle the steering wheel through dead zone while you watch/feel the flex joints. Watching the input shaft will tell if the wear is in the rack. This will be more conclusive if the front wheels are carrying the car's weight and thus resisting an attempt to turn the wheels.

[var1ant]

I have the same problem, I have replaced everything on the front including the rack. The only thing I have not changed yet are the rear bushings which I will be doing shortly.

[nrubenstein]

Changing the steering column flex joint assembly made a huge difference for me.

[LoneWolf]

If there is no motion whatsoever in the tie rods, the rack or the flex joints in the steering column are all that is left as cause. Well, I guess the steering wheel splines could be worn and the nut loose, but that is rather unlikely.

Get the front of the car in air. Have a helper wiggle the steering wheel through dead zone while you watch/feel the flex joints. Watching the input shaft will tell if the wear is in the rack. This will be more conclusive if the front wheels are carrying the car's weight and thus resisting an attempt to turn the wheels.

Wouldn't I be able to see the flex joint from under the hood?

That is the swivel like joint of the steering column correct?

Or am I thinking of the wrong thing?


Thanks for the input guys. I am gonna trouble shoot this on the weekend

[Bimmerguy91]

Ever figure this issue out? Im gonna rebuilding my front suspension/steering soon and was wondering if I should replace the rack and flex joint too