E30 M40 Steering freeplay...

[e30freak]

Hi guys,Just wondering what is the problem with my steering... When i'm driving it around, i encountered a "free-play" on the steering.. On the straight, my steering wheel can actually move left and right a bit... On the highway, it's kinda dangerous..Anyone out there know what's the problem? Anyone ever encountered anything like this before? I asked the Auto shop in Penang and they say this is no biggie... can still drive..But as an owner I don't feel comfortable driving with a flabby steering wheel.. Any answer is much appreciated =)

 

[bmwjackiee36]

Check your steering coupling...... Or your tie rod...

If there is alot of play, it will be your coupling...

 

[rockonla]

isit alot of free-play? i thot it was normal for e30? no?

 

[Keano]

Hi guys,

Just wondering what is the problem with my steering... When i'm driving it around, i encountered a "free-play" on the steering.. On the straight, my steering wheel can actually move left and right a bit... On the highway, it's kinda dangerous..

Anyone out there know what's the problem? Anyone ever encountered anything like this before? I asked the Auto shop in Penang and they say this is no biggie... can still drive..

But as an owner I don't feel comfortable driving with a flabby steering wheel..

Any answer is much appreciated =)

I experienced the same "free play" as you described. I had my steering coupling rubber replaced & it solved the problem. However in most cases that I've heard, you not only need to replace the steering coupling rubber but the steering coupling unit itself. I guess I was lucky (so far).

The challenge is then to find a decent condition used steering coupling unit cause a brand new one will cost you an arm and/or a leg. Alternatively, you can go down the E36 route & have your entire steering rack replaced with a E36 unit. This has been discussed before in an earlier post.

Do keep us updated on this matter.