Seek advice on my e 34 328i

[geaydell]

Hi All.Seek your advice, just bought 2 months ago an e 36 328i and encounter this problem:Whilst moving, especially on uneven road condition, the steering seem like more tandency to go left and right and more likely the steering is controlling my hand direction. Whilst in idle, there is big degree of steering free movement.The car comes with 18" 235/40 tyres all round. Is there any possibility because of incorrect tyre profile set-up? or other thing related to the steering rack, bushing, arm , etc.Tq.G

 

[2wenty6]

From what you describe, you probably have some front end suspension bits to replace.

Tie-rods, front control arms/bushing. Maybe while in there check and see if swaybar links are good.
Replacing tie-rods will require an alignment.

Not saying that these are the sole problems, but generally these are the culprit.

 

[geaydell]

Thnks 2wenty6,

If i change all these things, how much the estimates cost. ..Tie-rods, front control arms/bushing, sway bar? do i need to change all ..rear and front?

Thnks again,

G

 

[2wenty6]

Try looking up the sticky thread that says e36 parts and maintenance cost (or something like that). I don't know off the top of my head.

If you just wanna fix your steering slop I think front should do it. Will require an alignment after changing tie-rods I believe. Sway bars need not be changed, just the end links that connect the sway bars to the struts (if the links are worn out). Also while you're at it you might wanna consider changing dampers if those haven't been replaced. Just because changing it later on will require an alignment as well. Once again, I don't know how much an alignment costs here, but in the US (where I had my car) its like 90 per pop to be done by a reputable shop.

These cars are old and unless maintenance have been up to date, there are many many things that you need to address. But different people have different budgets and requirements. So whether you wanna do front and rear or just front to fix your steering slop is up to you. Rear bushings contribute more to the car's handling and tire wear and what not, and is harder to get to (RTAB, ball joints, subframe yada yada), and for the daily driver, generally more negligible.

 

[geaydell]

yup, i got the thread..thnks.

G