E46 facelift Steering freeplay

[Ade]

Hi all, Just changed my control arm bushings to eliminate the "klok klok" sound..however. the steering feels like it has a lot of freeplay and its not "heavy" when i'm cruising along a straight...Is there such a thing called "steering control arm bush" as compared to the "control arm bush"? Done my alignment and balancing but still it just doesn't feel right...my waja drives better... Any idea what is wrong? Running on 225/45R17 with 32 psi on the front and 34 psi at the back...

 

[calyon]

was having the same predicament. when for a total bush, absorber n suspension check, n apparently everyting are in order. then got some advice to gas the tyres at 28psi (front -225/45/17) and 32psi (rear -245/40/17).

so far so good with that setting..

my guess is 32psi at the front after some long drive on a hot sunny day may raise the actual pressure over 34psi, which is way too inflated. from experience, an e46 front tyres got additional 2.5psi from high temperature and 1.5psi for the rear.

good luck man

 

[3er]

Hi all,

Just changed my control arm bushings to eliminate the "klok klok" sound..however. the steering feels like it has a lot of freeplay and its not "heavy" when i'm cruising along a straight...Is there such a thing called "steering control arm bush" as compared to the "control arm bush"?

It might be your steering U joint being a tad loose. A known issue on the E46. You can get it tightened at a BMW specialist. I've had mine done.

 

[Ade]

It might be your steering U joint being a tad loose. A known issue on the E46. You can get it tightened at a BMW specialist. I've had mine done.

Oh...any way of DIY if its simple?

 

[3er]

Oh...any way of DIY if its simple?

If you have a car lift/hoist, some tools to remove stuff to get at your steering U joint, some other tools to get it out, some hammering and cursing maybe, and then some know how to fit it back, hope you dont leave anything behind...

Oh, i'd say you *can* DIY. But i'd rather pay to get a specialist to do it. They take a good part of 3 hours. I might take all weekend and get into a big mess.

 

[Ade]

Wao..that's tough work just to tighten the U joint...

I checked on realoem...it seems like a rubber thingy...is there a bolt to tighten it or do I have to change it? Alignment need to be done after that?

Can recommend the mech that you send it to and how much was the charges?

 

[3er]

1st is to tighten it. It isnt a just a simple bolt, it requires some hammering (manual labour). If your steering freeplay is still loose then you will have to replace it. Alignment should be done after that.

I went to Heritage. Cant remember the exact charges cos i had other things done at that time too. But i'm guessing its about RM300-500. Good luck.

 

[Ade]

Thanks....will get it done.....

 

[wglee]

M1 Kayu Ara doesn't recommend fiddling with the u-joint... They told me if incorrectly done (and the probability of that is high) you could have the steering feeling tight on one side and loose on the other.

 

[Ade]

wglee..u are scaring me...wat should I do then? change the u joint?

 

[wglee]

Get professional advice from the various reputable BMW workshops.

 

[scin]

Changing the U joint is best, but expensive la... it's about 500+ for the long piece and 3-400+ for the shorter one... add in labor.... about 1K

 

[3er]

M1 Kayu Ara doesn't recommend fiddling with the u-joint... They told me if incorrectly done (and the probability of that is high) you could have the steering feeling tight on one side and loose on the other.

Just for the record - mine is fine now. No issues to freeplay or different tightness.

 

[Stud_Daddy]

Had too much freeplay on mine and steering felt "floaty". Had a tyre shop in Penang knock the steering yoke back into place ..... took them 4 hours and the results made a whole lot of difference. The shop owner owns an e46 as well and he emphatized with my predicament. Best MYR 150 I've spent since the testicle massage I ordered in Koh Lipe.

 

[Ade]

Where where?