Steering shake (not what you think)

[91e30181]

---91 318i M42 5-speed---
Ive looked high and low for someone with this same problem and I must be the only one with it! This wasnt a gradual thing, it just happened one day and has not gotten worse. At all speed my steering wheel has a slight shake (on or off of the brakes) which gets worse as I go around bends (left or right...just as bad either direction). When I hit bumps I can hear a slight clunking that sounds like its in the steering shaft. Im thinking its some component of the shaft, but I dont want to just start replacing everything and cross my fingers...I already have a ton of money into this thing. If I just shake the steering wheel back and forth rapidly when parked, there is an audible clunk that I can also feel. When I first got this car, I did some weekend rally racing and the steering did take a pretty good beatdown from rough dirt roads and I think thats what led to this. Tires are brand new, control arms are not new, but ok. Ive done troubleshooting and have a good idea of what to look for and already have. Any suggestions??? Im approaching desperate...all I see is my money flying away! I am replacing the rack tomorrow just because I know it needs that.

[KenC]

Common prob in late model e30s.

Take the knee bolster off. You will see a nut that holds the steering linkage together. Yours has become loose. It will seem like it's tight, but you just have to turn hard.

[91e30181]

If what you say is true, then you rock dude.

[KenC]

If what you say is true, then you rock dude.

Same thing happened to me.

You can feel it in the steering wheel over bumps, right? And hear a slight clunk.

[91e30181]

Yeah its like a cross between a clunk and a rattle. I should have the motor and new rack back in it this weekend and will be able to see if thats actually the problem. Hope it is...this car has been stressin me out for the past year and cost me lots. I bought it for $350 and it was garbage. Heres a pic of how it looks as of a month or so ago before the rims/brakes/suspension/roof rack etc

[amcink]

Common prob in late model e30s.

Take the knee bolster off. You will see a nut that holds the steering linkage together. Yours has become loose. It will seem like it's tight, but you just have to turn hard.

Any update on this statement. I will try later today since mine seems thigh and also to tighten the nut should i turn clock wise or counter clockwise?

[Rickaytan]

Im having the same problem. Hopefully this is the solution to my issue!

[I8UR911]

Steering shaft flex joint is a common wear item. I would check that as well.

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[jlevie]

A problem with the steering column will result is excessive free play and noise, but will not cause the steering wheel to shake. That will be a problem with wear in the front suspension, alignment, or tires/wheels. Worn shocks or upper strut bearings usually aren't obvious in an inspection of the suspension and will aggravate minor problems else where in the suspension. Removal & disassembly of the struts is usually necessary. But there are clues. The life of OE shocks is about 60k, Bilsteins 70-80k, Koni SA's can last a really long time (with occasional re-adjustment) if not set excessively tight initially. So a clue as to the condition of the shocks & upper strut bearings is simply the mileage since the last replacement.