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Thread: 01 740i sport, play in the steering box

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Hilliard, ohio
    Posts
    477
    My Cars
    We have 5 BMW's (Cars)

    01 740i sport, play in the steering box

    As stated in the title.
    Early '01 shorty sport (5/00 build), I have been fighting a tramlining issue since I got the car. Replaced EVERYthing in the suspension, including rear subframe bushings and wheel bearings. It's driven me CRAZY (Short trip). None of the 25some BMW's we have had over the years experienced this issue. Very frustrating!

    I am down to the box itself. There is some vertical movement in the Pitman arm. appears that the shaft coming out of the box itself moves up and down. Not much, but there is movement.

    1st, is there anything I am missing??
    2nd, has anyone been able to successfully adjust the play out? If so., how (DIY available)?
    3rd, anyone parting a car and have a known good box available?


    Thanks for all the help this community has provided.

    Bill
    1 E38, 1 E39, 2 E46's, 1 E65, 1 R22, 1 R75/5

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Location
    Ft. Lauderdale, FL
    Posts
    5,083
    My Cars
    98 740il, 00 540i,04 ZHP
    Bill, did you get a report of your alignment specs when you had the car aligned? The alignment will play a huge role in the tramlining. There is play in my box, but it is pretty much completely removed when the engine is running and the steering is pressurized.

    One time I had an alignment done, and when I got the sheet, they had the car set as an E32 7-series.

    Tires also play a role in that, too.

    There is an adjustment on the box itself, but that's set at the factory. Some have adjusted it and claimed success in steering feel, but according to the BMW TIS, there is a special tool needed to properly set it and it is done out of the car.
    Last edited by racer2086; 07-20-2018 at 09:43 AM.
    '98 740il | 9/97 build | schwarz 2 | sandbeige | 5AT | 270k
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2012
    Location
    Hilliard, ohio
    Posts
    477
    My Cars
    We have 5 BMW's (Cars)
    I do not have the printout of the specs used in the alignment. Sadly, the shop "forgot to print them". I do suspect the alignment is incorrect as the car is MUCH worse with the sport wheels on it.

    Actually going to take it to BMW to have it aligned next. Maybe They can do it correctly.

    Bill


    Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
    1 E38, 1 E39, 2 E46's, 1 E65, 1 R22, 1 R75/5

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2010
    Location
    Corpus Christi Texas USA
    Posts
    524
    My Cars
    850ci, M5, Alpina B7
    No special tool required to take out play from steering box. Need two tools however. Will eliminate the play from box. Have you checked the hubs?


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Hampshire UK
    Posts
    8,867
    My Cars
    99 840ci Sport Indv

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2004
    Location
    Redding, CT
    Posts
    398
    My Cars
    '01 740i sport, VW TDI
    I had play in my steering box as well. You can crack the lock nut on top of the box and turn the adjuster in a TINY bit at a time to remove on-center play. Tiny meaninf 1/8 to 1/4 turn. Turn it in too much and you will ruin the box by causing binding. I did mine with the box in the car, but with pitman arm disconnected, in other words, no load on the box. After ainor adjustments turn wheel lock to lock and back to center and check arm at center for play. Repeat as necessary.

    Not a BMW certified procedure, but it works and is better than sloppy steering response.

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