A little flop when I steer

[zellamay]

98 Z3M 111k miles. Recently and suddenly, my car has developed a small flop when steering around the center position. Tires are good, Koni shocks are new. The car does not drift in either direction, but it does now follow road irregularities just a little bit. By "flop" I mean that it feels like the wheels shift from right to left (or left to right) without input from me. It's hardly noticeable, but I think an indicator that something will soon need replacing. Before I lift it and start looking around, does anyone have any suggestions for what to look for and how to look/inspect? (I'm hoping someone will tell me to put new control arm bushings in and everything will be okay. I fear I need new, expensive-M, control arms.)

[BimmerBreaker]

Tie rods? Bring it by my shop in Mesa next week sometime and I can take a look. No charge for a fellow Z3er

[zellamay]

Tie rods? Bring it by my shop in Mesa next week sometime and I can take a look. No charge for a fellow Z3er

Best offer I've had in years.

[scenturion]

Another potential cause could be that bushing in the steering shaft is worn.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...y/32311092644/

[zellamay]

Another potential cause could be that bushing in the steering shaft is worn.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...y/32311092644/

That part number is for the shaft assy, that has 2 u-joints and that rubber coupler. Yes, I suppose there could be a problem there. I wouldn't think the coupler; that would produce more of squishy feel. Maybe one of those u-joints? We'll see what Graham, (BimmerBreaker), has to say.

[BimmerBreaker]

My name is Graham lol

[zellamay]

My name is Graham lol

Hey, I knew that! I was doing 2 things at once. My apologies....................

[sydjai]

Guys do you have an update on what you found?

Just curious, I have the same issue. I *think* mine is in the rubber bushing on the steering shaft.

[zellamay]

Not yet, will post when I know more. Probably within the next couple of weeks.

[sydjai]

Thanks for the update, I’ve got a used shaft coming and I think I’m going to try Saneesh’s idea of using the E30 steering giubo. I am going to replace the rest of the front suspension this spring when it gets nicer outside.

[ihm96]

Thanks for the update, I’ve got a used shaft coming and I think I’m going to try Saneesh’s idea of using the E30 steering giubo. I am going to replace the rest of the front suspension this spring when it gets nicer outside.

If its the type of thing that happens over bumps aka bumpsteer look at control arm bushings. My Z3 would dart around over any bumps but then I got one of those front suspension refresh kits from FCPeuro and some upgraded poly E36 M3 offset control arm bushings and its night and day difference. Car stays straight over big bumps now and is much easier to keep under control. Stock control arm bushings may have fixed the problem also, but I figured it was a nice upgrade.