E39 530i Steering Play, Tramlining, and Clunking Sound

[lucas999]

So, my 2003 530i has developed vague steering and is all over the road, especially on bumps. I've noticed a clunking sound when steering in reverse and when the car is off, the clunking sound can be heard clearly when the steering wheel is wiggled. Initially, because I had a rubbing sound from the front passenger wheel when the car was cold, I assumed I had a bad wheel bearing. However, I lifted the car up and did the wheel-wiggle test. I found play in both front wheels when wiggling at 9 and 3, but no play when wiggling at 12 and 6 (there was play along the steering axis). As far as I know, this eliminates control arms and wheel bearings as possible culprits (?). If my wheel bearings were bad, wouldn't the wheels wiggle in all directions? Also the fact that both wheels wiggle about the same amount suggests, to me, that it is a problem with the steering system. My next suspect was tie rods, which I will probably replace in the near future anyways. I had a friend wiggle the wheel while I looked around for the clunk sound and it seemed to be coming from the middle of the car, not at the wheels. So, I am suspecting either a worn out lower joint assembly of the steering column or possible a worn out steering rack. The car does leak ATF and I have to top it off every once in a while, but I always assumed it was leaking from the reservoir. ATM, the level is fine. Can anybody shed any light on this problem? It is getting pretty frustrating because you really have to be ready to respond to the unpredictable handling on bumpy roads and there is a lot of play in the steering. Thanks!

[edjack]

I suspect tie rod ends. Also, if the rack is leaking, the seals/bushings may be worn.

Toe-out can contribute to tramlining.

See if you can detect radial play at the end of the rack.

[lucas999]

I suspect tie rod ends. Also, if the rack is leaking, the seals/bushings may be worn.

Toe-out can contribute to tramlining.

See if you can detect radial play at the end of the rack.

Thanks. I'll try to find some time to do the tie rods soon as they aren't expensive and report back with the results. I would take it in for an alignment but I don't want to do that until the suspension is sorted out incase anything else needs to be replaced. Thanks again!

[sleuth255]

Your front end has a real condition. I'd get it up on a rack for a full visual inspection asap.

[lucas999]

Your front end has a real condition. I'd get it up on a rack for a full visual inspection asap.

Probably not a bad idea. I'll take a good look at it when I get a chance, but I'll probably end up taking it over to the shop for a more experienced inspection. My indie is great and I'm sure he'd be willing to take a look free of charge. If any of you are in the midcoast-Maine area and need any work done, can't give a higher recommendation to Courtesy Motors in Rockland. Joseph is great, really knows what he's doing, and best of all won't let you to waste your money.