Member
How much average play do you all have in your steering? I can move mine approximately ˝” either side of center before the wheels respond. Is this normal?
1996 328iC Boston Green
Member
i think so..
Old-Schoolin' it
Mine's pretty much immediate. MUCH less play than anything else I've driven.
9/2004 Chevrolet Suburban Z71, black, purchased March 2016, 270k miles.
6/99 740i Cosmos Schwartz M Sport, 214k miles, purchased May 2017
2001 740i OrientBlau M Sport, purchased March 2023
1984 MasterCraft Stars and Stripes, Blue/White, PCM Ford 351W, PowerSlot, 912 hours, purchased September 2012 (not a car)
4/99 323is/5. Titansilber, 211k miles. Straight body project.
past BMWs: 5/1994 325isa (Arktisgrau), 3/1997 328is/5 (cosmosschwartz), 9/1990 535i/5 (calypsorot), 9/1990 318i/5 (brillantrot) 7/93 325i/5 convertible (samoablau) 2/92 325i/5 cabriolet (lagunengruen).
SÜNDE REISEN
Too Soon?
thats not normal. I consider mine to feel kinda loose and it still moves immedietly when i tell it to.
Single Post in a Thread Full of Doubles.
Member
I figured it wasen't normal. It is an older car and I can only presently compare it to my S4 I have no other point of referance. The tiny bit of play I have does seem not in-line with a other german cars I have owned in the past. What is everyone best guess as to the culprit? If it's the rack I will simply live with it. Any suggestions would greatly appreciated
1996 328iC Boston Green
Member
come to think of it.. yes that isn't normal...
how can one fix this problem?
Member
It's most likely worn control arms, bushings, and/or ball joints. If you haven't had these items replaced they should be updated. M3 parts are a no-brainer upgrade. Tie rods are known to wear, too. These are all on the rather long 75-100k list.
License Revoked
There are many things that can cause steering wheel play...
Member
such as.....??
Member
noticed its fine when power assist backs off around 50 mph. So I think im imaging it.
1996 328iC Boston Green
Member
Inner and outer tierods. Replace those and your steering wheel will feel 100x tighter. However, there is some very minor play in the rack. It will be hardly noticeable once those parts are replaced.
Member
Tierods
Control arms
Bushings
1994 325is - s50/zf trans/TRM chip/s52 headers/21.5lb injctrs/3.5 HFM/M3 brakes/billy sports/hr springs/reinforced subframe/camber plates/adj ctrl arms/3.15 LSD
2004 Volvo s40 T5 - Daily
2000 GMC k2500 5.7 - 33's/frame off resto'd
1989 Chevrolet k2500 5.7 rclb
License Revoked
I'd do the following, and most can be found at forum venders:
*Entire tie rod assembly (inner, outer) - $50ea, BMW #32 11 1 139 315, #32 11 1 139 316
*Control arm (which covers the ball joints that need replacing) - $85ea for OEM, BMW #31 12 1 140 957, #31 12 1 140 958
OR
*Control arm's w/ metal ball joints, from www.bavauto.com for $100ea, 31 12 1 140957M, 31 12 1 140958M
*Solid "Eyeball Arms" Control Arm Bushings from BimmerWorld for $169
OR
*Other Control Arm Bushing
That should firm up your steering quite a lot.
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