Play in the steering wheel???

[Wasiq]

Alright, I've replaced every thing possible, I got a new suspension put in spring/struts, new control arms, new control arm bushings, new tie-rods, new RTAB's, and I still have play in the steering wheel!!! It will move about 1/4-1/2" before it starts to turn and its really pissing me off. What can be the problem?? I tried to search and I found this http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=515279&highlight=play+steering did it help anyone solve the problem and how easy is it to replace? Thanks!!

[BobCT]

I even replaced the rubber bushing which connects the steering shaft to the rack. Didn't really make a diff for me but it has for others. I'm going to install a new rack. It's the only thing left...

Bob

[BobCT]

like I said, didn't make a diff for me with 130k so it's gotta be the rack.

[andyscott0]

Did the rack help ?

[io619]

Sorry, late to the game on this one. I don't mean to come off arrogant on this one, but the rack should have have the 1st or 2nd place to start with something like what you described. (the Rack or the linkage). Sometimes it a result of lack of presure in the pump, sometimes it bad teeth internally and other times it's simply a leak. In any case, get a rebuilt rack. New are expensive and not worth it. Don't install one if it hasn't been rebuilt - you'll just be inheriting someones elses problems.

When you've got the front end in the air, you can grab the wheel at 3' and 9' and move side to side with moderate force (steering wheel unlocked). When you do this, jerk it a little bit. The Goal is to see if you can get some play in the tie-rod end. It really helps to have two people, and at least one who's done it before and is comfortable with what is acceptable. Sometimes placing you hand on the Tie-rod while partner moves wheel is nessesary. DONT' FORGET INNER RODS (not all vehicles have them, not sure on BMW).

Check balljoints in similar manner. Grab wheel 12' and 6'. Similar motion, slight jerk if the mild-mannered in/out doesn't reveal anything. Some vehicle need a inverted load. Let the suspension hang (as with the top two procedures) and take a pry-bar and slide underneith tire. Now push up on Tire/wheel Asssembly. This may require two people and a hand on the balljoint. If you can feel the joint shift as you do this, it's time to replace.

Also look for excessive out and inner front tire wear, cupping and chopping.

Hope this helps some ..... - C

[Wasiq]

Like I said, I've replaced all the tie-rods, balljoint/control arms and every other damn bushing in the front end possible about 7k miles ago.....even when I first replaced it, same problem. My brother just got a 328i and he has no play, it's really annoying, I think the steering rack is all thats left to change, the steering fluid seems to be full.....

[Zaks]

could a bad rack also result in vibration of the steering wheel ??