A lot of steering wheel play in my 540i

[edmelvins]

Hi guys,

So I just bought a 540i that has the koni/eibach suspension replacement done in 2007-08 and I noticed first thing is that it has a lot of play in the steering wheel. Steering feel is big for me so naturally I'd want to get that fixed first.

I brought the car to a european car shop but the mechanic said that the suspension is causing the problem and that there's little that he can do to fix it.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience on this? Do you have any advice for me as to how to fix it? I'd seriously consider getting my suspension replaced with a newer set but I don't think that's necessary.

Thanks in advance!

[corcovado]

See here:

http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Trouble/Steeringplay.htm

[91e34M5]

I brought the car to a european car shop but the mechanic said that the suspension is causing the problem and that there's little that he can do to fix it.

Find another shop. This one obviously knows nothing about e34's.

[V1990]

Find another shop. This one obviously knows nothing about e34's.

Or automotive mechanics in general. "...little he can do to fix it" psh.

Check your tie rods etc, upper and lower control arms, slack in gearbox, and your steering column nut (remove kick panel, 22mm? Just use an adjustable).

[SwissCheeseHead]

A google search will net you much more information than your "mechanic"

[BleedsBlue]

I've never gone to a mechanic, but is this "little I can do to fix it" a common diagnosis? That's incredible. He couldn't even note which suspension/steering components are worn?

[HE53]

Or automotive mechanics in general. "...little he can do to fix it" psh. Check your tie rods etc, upper and lower control arms, slack in gearbox, and your steering column nut (remove kick panel, 22mm? Just use an adjustable).

This, and could also be a weak pump.

[Blak540i]

Could a weak pump cause loose steering? I replaced my steering box and that firmed things up a bit but there is still noticeable slack. Sometimes my pump makes noises on full lock, maybe it is time to look at replacing that too.

[edmelvins]

I see. Thanks for all the suggestions guys! I've read a lot of write-ups about this but I thought if a mechanic couldn't find anything wrong with it, then it's not likely that I would be able to fix it myself.

To be fair to the mechanic, he is a licensed as a VW mechanic but he told me he could do it so I gave him a try. I'll ask him more questions when I pick up the car next week. I'll definitely check my pump as well.