Steering strange after steering wheel removal

Collapse
X
Collapse
 
  • Page of 1
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
Previous template Next
  • dadsbmw
    E30 Addict
    • Oct 2014
    • 475
    #1

    Steering strange after steering wheel removal

    I took off my airbag steering wheel to do gauge cluster work yesterday. When I put it back on I turned the wheel from side to side and there was a noticeable scraping sound/feeling. I took it and put it back on again and it's no longer scraping but the steering feels off. After making a turn it has a hard time centering itself. And I found that on tighter turns there's sort of a sticky spot.

    I can't possibly imagine what I've done. I was thinking that perhaps I'm off by 1 tooth in re-centering the wheel on the column but that would only affect the position orientation?
    2003 Z4 3.0 6-speed- Silver, 19's, daily driver
    1990 Silver 325i- Lowered on H&R OE Sports, e90 drop hats, KYB shocks, color matched rocker panels, 16" Emortal RS wheels on 205/50/16 tires... Currently getting a full refresh including an S52 swap!
    1997 Black Ford Probe GT- Stripped to 2220lbs, MS3X, Forged motor in midst of assembly... Dyno results and 1/4 mile times pending
    Tags: None
    • HerbE30
      E30 Addict
      • Nov 2015
      • 538
      #2
      Originally posted by dadsbmw
      I took off my airbag steering wheel to do gauge cluster work yesterday. When I put it back on I turned the wheel from side to side and there was a noticeable scraping sound/feeling. I took it and put it back on again and it's no longer scraping but the steering feels off. After making a turn it has a hard time centering itself. And I found that on tighter turns there's sort of a sticky spot.

      I can't possibly imagine what I've done. I was thinking that perhaps I'm off by 1 tooth in re-centering the wheel on the column but that would only affect the position orientation?
      This happened to me. It was a cheap hub that I am running. I believe it catches on the locking block that pokes up from the top. Does it make a clicking noise around the center?
      20% Accurate

      Morty: Well Summer maybe people that create things aren’t concerned with your delicate sensibilities you know? Maybe the species that communicate with each other through a filter of your comfort are less evolved that the ones that just communicate? Maybe your problems are your own to deal with and maybe the public giving a shit about your feelings is a one way ticket to extinction.

        Comment

        • dadsbmw
          E30 Addict
          • Oct 2014
          • 475
          #3
          I haven't noticed it but I'll make sure to listen. Thanks for the response.
          2003 Z4 3.0 6-speed- Silver, 19's, daily driver
          1990 Silver 325i- Lowered on H&R OE Sports, e90 drop hats, KYB shocks, color matched rocker panels, 16" Emortal RS wheels on 205/50/16 tires... Currently getting a full refresh including an S52 swap!
          1997 Black Ford Probe GT- Stripped to 2220lbs, MS3X, Forged motor in midst of assembly... Dyno results and 1/4 mile times pending

            Comment

            • dadsbmw
              E30 Addict
              • Oct 2014
              • 475
              #4
              So I havent noticed a clicking sound. I removed and replaced it again this weekend and its even worse. The more I tighten the center nut (Not that tight mind you, maybe 32-35 ft/lbs) the harder it is to turn. It's hard enough to steer at this point that its almost like I dont have power steering anymore.

              I did notice there's definitely a greased area where the wheel touches the column. Perhaps this needs to be greased up again?
              2003 Z4 3.0 6-speed- Silver, 19's, daily driver
              1990 Silver 325i- Lowered on H&R OE Sports, e90 drop hats, KYB shocks, color matched rocker panels, 16" Emortal RS wheels on 205/50/16 tires... Currently getting a full refresh including an S52 swap!
              1997 Black Ford Probe GT- Stripped to 2220lbs, MS3X, Forged motor in midst of assembly... Dyno results and 1/4 mile times pending

                Comment

                • dadsbmw
                  E30 Addict
                  • Oct 2014
                  • 475
                  #5
                  For anyone in the future who ends up stumbling upon this thread I found the issue last night. The airbag wiring was managing to work itself between the mating surfaces for the steering wheel and the steering column. As a result when I would tighten the wheel down the wiring created a huge source of friction which made steering significantly more difficult. I removed and reinstalled paying careful attention to make sure the wiring was out of the way and its all back to normal.
                  2003 Z4 3.0 6-speed- Silver, 19's, daily driver
                  1990 Silver 325i- Lowered on H&R OE Sports, e90 drop hats, KYB shocks, color matched rocker panels, 16" Emortal RS wheels on 205/50/16 tires... Currently getting a full refresh including an S52 swap!
                  1997 Black Ford Probe GT- Stripped to 2220lbs, MS3X, Forged motor in midst of assembly... Dyno results and 1/4 mile times pending

                    Comment

                    Previous template Next
                    Working...