Loose steering - vibrating wheel

[e30fiend]

My front driver side wheel wobbles slightly as I drive. The effects of this are seen in the steering wheel as well as felt in the car. At freeway speeds the steering is quite squirrely, especially when making soft right turns.

I have never worked on suspension in any of my cars so I don't have a lot of experience when it comes to troubleshooting this kind of problem. I am replacing front rotors and pads this weekend, while I'm in there is there anything obvious I can look for or test? At a quick glance it appears all the rubber bushings are still intact, I had thought maybe one was totally shot which would explain the slight play in the steering wheel.

Yes I searched and didn't find anything conclusive. I have the bentley and access to blow-up diagrams of the suspension (thanks to realoem.com) but I don't know what affects what.

Help!

TIA.

[Jordan]

Ball joints

[e30fiend]

Ball joints

So do I need new tie-rods? When is it prudent to do control arms and bushings? Thanks.

[T.Dot E30]

Re: Loose steering - vibrating wheel

My front driver side wheel wobbles slightly as I drive.

TIA.

Well if the actual wheel is wobbling, maybe its bent or something? unless its not on properly.

Take it to a wheel shop and see if they can get it to balance, once they put it on the machine they will see right away if its bent or not.

Bent wheel/ unbalanced wheel, will cause steering viberation.

Moving the bad wheel to the rear, should lessen the effect it has on the steering wheel, but still viberate the rear end

[Charlie]

Ball joints

So do I need new tie-rods? When is it prudent to do control arms and bushings? Thanks.

The ball joints aren't replaceable on E30 control arms (at least easily), so you're basically going ahead and replacing the whole thing. Might as well do tie rods and CAB's at the same time.

-Charlie

[Jordan]

So you need to look and SEE what you need.

Jack the car up, and look for which balljoint is sloppy.

You have 4 joints to examine on each side.

outer tierod, inner tierod, outer control arm, inner control arm.

IMO just replace both inner/outer tierods, and replace both control arms (comes with new balljoints already pressed in.

While you are there replace the CAB's as well.

[T.Dot E30]

The ball joints aren't replaceable on E30 control arms (at least easily),
-Charlie

I disagree, They can be replaced quite easily and cheaply. It are pushing out and in pretty easily using a press. But unless you have access to do it urself, it might be more economical to jus replace the whole control arm.

[Charlie]

The ball joints aren't replaceable on E30 control arms (at least easily),
-Charlie

I disagree, They can be replaced quite easily and cheaply. It are pushing out and in pretty easily using a press. But unless you have access to do it urself, it might be more economical to jus replace the whole control arm.

Because each and every one of us has a hydraulic press in our garage.

As I said: easily

-Charlie

[e30fiend]

Re: Loose steering - vibrating wheel

My front driver side wheel wobbles slightly as I drive.

TIA.

Well if the actual wheel is wobbling, maybe its bent or something? unless its not on properly.

Take it to a wheel shop and see if they can get it to balance, once they put it on the machine they will see right away if its bent or not.

Bent wheel/ unbalanced wheel, will cause steering viberation.

Moving the bad wheel to the rear, should lessen the effect depending on how bad it is.

It's not the actual wheel, I already tried swapping it and the problem persists. According to my girlfriend she can see the wheel "wobbling" when I drive, as if it's loose or not centered.

[Jordan]

your wheel bearing or hub is likely warped and wasted as well.

Jesus man, bring your car to a mechanic, and pick it up when its done.

Case closed.

[T.Dot E30]

Because each and every one of us has a hydraulic press in our garage.

As I said: easily

-Charlie

Well sayings its not easy is very subjective with a hydraulic press its pretty easy, so thats why i replied bcus i've done mine like that, only bcus control arms in toronto aren't as cheap as your guys can get from BAV auto.

The actual ball joint was $26, and it was fairly easy for ME to replace.

But ya, i understand ur thinkin......its hard bcus you dont have the tools.

[e30fiend]

Awesome. Thanks for all the replies, guys. I will inspect all the bushings tomorrow and hopefully find one in obvious need of attention.

[e30fiend]

your wheel bearing or hub is likely warped and wasted as well.

Jesus man, bring your car to a mechanic, and pick it up when its done.

Case closed.

Can't afford that, plus I want to learn on my own. Thanks for the editorial though.

[Charlie]

Because each and every one of us has a hydraulic press in our garage.

As I said: easily

-Charlie

Well sayings its not easy is very subjective with a hydraulic press its pretty easy, so thats why i replied bcus i've done mine like that, only bcus control arms in toronto aren't as cheap as your guys can get from BAV auto.

The actual ball joint was $26, and it was fairly easy for ME to replace.

But ya, i understand ur thinkin......its hard bcus you dont have the tools.

26 bucks? Is that US or canadian? Is that also per ball joint?

Seeing as you would have to remove the CA's anyway (the biggest PITA), undo all the other equipment, take them to a shop, get charged a half hour's labor, and then bolt it all back up, I'd say you're looking at false economy. I can snag CA's for 72 bucks a peice USD with all ball joints pressed in.

-Charlie