Loose steering wheel

[socalife]

I'm running what felt like when I first bought it, a stiff no ps steering rack. I did an alignment and got my tires rotated but the wheel itself is really loose

[socalife]

Any help?

[TimeMachinE30]

Video?

Like excessive steering wheel lash? Side to side...

Or the steering wheel has vertical play?

[Mr. Tasty]

tie rods. When car is in the air, shake the wheel with the ignition locked. Grab the sides and push/pull the wheel like it would be turning. Excessive movement indicates worn tie rods.

[efficient]

I'm in the same boat. I replaced everything tie rods, new front control arms, poly steering guibo, new shocks and springs, top hats, alignment, wheels balanced.last thing I could think of is my rack and pinion.

[E30335i]

there is a flex disc in your steering that if havent been replaced you can verify if thats loose. common on e46 to have that "loose" steering wheel

[ELVA164]

I'm in the same boat. I replaced everything tie rods, new front control arms, poly steering guibo, new shocks and springs, top hats, alignment, wheels balanced.last thing I could think of is my rack and pinion.

Sounds like a worn rack and pinion to me as long as everything else is all tightened up.

OP, I'd take a look at the rubber connector on the steering column, as well as both steering knuckles. Just have someone wiggle the wheel while you look at that area of the column and see if there's excessive play anywhere.

Here's a visual: