Airbag car steering column questions

[E30budget]

Hey all, I have a 1991 318is with some steering column issues and I cant find a definitive culprit online from old posts..

So I have a rattle when I hit bumps, low or high speeds, or even turning the wheel

The steering wheel is indeed tight on the splines and column

I pulled the kick panels and the lock collar nut is tight, the guibo is squishy but not torn up (will be replaced soon with solid AKG)

When I put my hand on the column rod where it runs through the firewall it has play through the firewall, is that supposed to be like that? I read there is only one bearing for airbag cars..

Where it goes through the firewall is there a bushing or a bearing that holds it and it supposed to have a little play?

Thanks :)

[nando]

check the U joint near the steering rack. They do wear out eventually.

There's no bushing in the firewall that I know of, just a rubber grommet.

[e304lyfe]

It might be the upper steering assembly underneath the dash with the telescopic splined shaft with the large nut. In my case, even though the nut was tight, the splined shaft was worn and would rattle over bumps. It was hard to isolate noise to this component, and I went through replacing the lower u-joint and steering rack before concluding this part was the culprit.

This whole assembly is available new from bmw. Part #: 32311159500 FWIW I similarly did not find much information from people with this problem when searching online.

[AwakenNoMore]

'91 former airbag car here too. Mine rattles a little too, I just kinda deal with it.

[audiquattrot]

there is also a small steering guibo underneath the dash. But like nando said, I would replace that u-joint. Also that large nut on the column (by the pedals) is notorious for coming loose. find a wrench to hold that nut, and turn the steering wheel (clockwise?) to tighten.....that should def help if there is play there. Just had to do it a couple wks ago on mine again b/c of rattle....I might put locktite on it to be sure it doesn't back itself out.

[E30budget]

Thanks a TON for the info fellas. If this doesnt work ill buy a new column as they arent THAT bad..

[Dust2glory]

My 91 318is does the same thing. I'll be very interested in the results but I'll take a look at mine tomorrow and see what I can find.

[steve68]

my air bag car does the same,