steering e34

[525iBoy]

I hope to get some good feedback on this:I've changed almost everything in the steering system of my e34 ie: steering box, centre rod, 2 tie rods, both front bearings and I still have some play. the only thing I have not changed in the idler arm bushing. do you guys think this could be the cause of play?btw: I have also adjusted the steering box so there is no play and checked the CV joing and steering column , which also has zero play.any feedback/exp on this would be useful

 

[ALBundy]

Bro, the e34 will have some free no matter what you have change since its using a recirculating ball system and I presumed you replaced the steering box with an used unit?

 

[525iBoy]

hmmm I know it should have a bit of play but i think I may have too much because
1) I checked the used box and it has zero play
2) when I drove another forummer car it had almost zero play.


My play is about 3/4 of an inch with the std steering wheel.

It this the same for yours?

thk.s

 

[525iBoy]

hmmm,, I rechecked the tightness screw of the steering box and have removed almost all the play except for some 1/4' (which is within specs I think)

tightness screw is v. critical. it was off by 1/8-1/16 of a turn and the steering had a lotta play.

fortunately it's easy to adjust so we BMers can play at will

 

[viewfinder]

Originally posted by 525iBoy@Jun 5 2006, 03:20 PM
hmmm,, I rechecked the tightness screw of the steering box and have removed almost all the play except for some 1/4' (which is within specs I think)

tightness screw is v. critical. it was off by 1/8-1/16 of a turn and the steering had a lotta play.

fortunately it's easy to adjust so we BMers can play at will

Hi 525iBoy,
I'll check how much free play mine has, but 1/4" sounds about right.

Care to post a picture of the location of the screw that was tightened? Just in case I need to in the future. Thx.

 

[525iBoy]

thaxs for all the feedback guys.

I tried Lionel cars & his steering is possibly a bit tighter than mine / more responsive . We both have 17" rims . My suspension being lowered a bit more and a bit harder than his.

However I think He has Poly U bushes on his anti sway bars and susp bushings whihc tighten up the stteering. His feel really really "connected" , mine feels almost. but now the orig BMW handling magic is back.

The location ofthe screw is VERY easy to find. It between the exhaust manifold and the front right fender.and next to battery. It peek out of a hole cut in the aluminum heatshield and is directly onto on the steering box. and straght into y our eyeball when you learn over the engine bay.

Diam about 18mm . Just undo the 18 mm jam nut and screw in the screw/allen key it it just stops. It should be finger tight and not more or you'll wear the s.box gears prematurly. when tighening donw the jam nut besure not to turn the centre screw/allen key bolt or the steering will feel too tight. ... Hint: tighten light strain using thumb and index finger on screwdriver and it should be mine

 

[Lionel_Koh]

Martin...glad to hear ur car is up to ur expectation now........

I met ur fren and he test drive my babe..........

 

[armereth]

525iboy,

Will appreciate it very much if you can you mark on this picture where is the screw to tighten steering free play.

Thanks a gazillion

 

[armereth]

Edited

 

[525iBoy]

how do I mark on the photo?

your car looks diff from mine (I think you just showed to AndrewK) right?, but box should be same.

very easy. the bolt is accessed through the hole in alluminum cover. on photo this is about 3 inches from left of the 24/04/2006 date. and about 1 inch from bottom of the photo.

You'll need an 18mm socket and prefably a long extension to get at it.

can't belive the transformation in handling... so little play now. make you you adjust only forefinger and thumb tight or the steering will be stiff and road feel affected

enjoy...

 

[armereth]

Well, I didnt show AndrewK, just told him what I had on the car and he knows it not within his budget. No worry, I told him he can always see if he wants to. Dont mind at all. You know him?

Yes, it different from your car because I am using HIOP extractor. Anyway, i believe the screw is located in side this hole right? Hope it can fix the free play. Its really getting to my nerve. So irritating.

Thanks man
Arms