Steering free play when standstill

[bmw7833]

I can feel some abnormal free play on the steering when the car standstill.What is the probable cause yah? Steering rack? My arm bushes are still good in shape and no shake for the arms too.

 

[transporter]

bmw7833, steering free play means ?
if u mean vibration, i encounter that also..my steering vibrates when i cold start the car..

 

[nimy]

Maybe your tie rod end is kaput coz my steering also like that before.. Check your tie rod end.

 

[bmw7833]

bmw7833, steering free play means ?
if u mean vibration, i encounter that also..my steering vibrates when i cold start the car..

No, mine one is standstill without start the car.

If your steering vibrate when the engine is ON, then should be the engine mounting problem.

 

[bmw7833]

Maybe your tie rod end is kaput coz my steering also like that before.. Check your tie rod end.

Errmm..dont think the tie rod problem as i just replaced them last year and car seldom drive within the period.

 

[transporter]

replaced engine mounting..vibration not as hard as last time, but still can feel...

 

[nautica1973]

Mine had a 1 inch freeplay either side whether moving or stationary. I had the steering spindle replaced with a new unit and the freeplay lessened to a considerable degree.

According to my questions and answers with several oldhand BMW mechanics, there are only 2 other issues, the first is as suggested the Tie-Rod (Tire-Rod) and the second is the Steering Rack. A change of the Rod should do it and if not, a Service Kit replacement of the Steering Rack is needed to get rid of the freeplay.

 

[elixir]

guys, i think it is the steering coupling...:top:

 

[bmw7833]

1. Tie rod
2. Steering rack
3. Steering coupling

Errmm..

 

[nautica1973]

7833, best as i can advise is that those 3 items mentioned above all have a role to play in the freeplay issue you are experiencing. I once had the mechanic tighten the pressure in the steering rack by turning a knob located on the rack itself to prevent the freeplay but this in turn led to a heavier feel of the steering and a lack of "freewheeling" (the motion of your steering rotating back on its own when you take a 180 degree turn). You may attempt this or have your mechanic advise you as to how best to rectify the freeplay you are experiencing.

 

[infinityKL]

i changed all 3 parts above, and still have a tiny tak tak sound when car is stagnant and steer... ;(

 

[nautica1973]

i changed all 3 parts above, and still have a tiny tak tak sound when car is stagnant and steer... ;(

By that do you mean "Being completely stationary there is still a faint tak tak sound emanating from your car" ?
OR do you mean "Being completely stationary position and when you rotate the steering wheel, there is a faint tak tak sound emanating from your car" ?

If the first definition is what you meant, then the issue is not so much in your steering mechanisms but perhaps your beltings, fan or some other loose or worn devices within your engine bay. If the frequency of the "tiny tak tak sound" increases with your RPM and eventually fades off, it would in most likelihood not be connected to steering mechanisms.

If however it is the second definition, perhaps the other gurus in the forum would be better tasked to take your question. I would however assume it could be the warn ball joints or worn bushes in the arms.

 

[infinityKL]

STAGNANT is obvious, sometime when driving also can feel.. no need turn so much.. just keep steering position straight, then move left right like how they do it when allingment... can feel something loose..

 

[nautica1973]

STAGNANT is obvious, sometime when driving also can feel.. no need turn so much.. just keep steering position straight, then move left right like how they do it when allingment... can feel something loose..

Are you driving an E39 ? If you have that sort of an issue despite the change of those 3 mechanisms, perhaps a mechanic would be more appropriate to sort out your predicament. Or read up the forum here on similar issues faced by other 39 owners

 

[bmw7833]

Today checked my car by Ah Kwan, he mentioned that my steering just feel normal and nothing wrong, so i guess it is my mental problem now..:stupid:

 

[infinityKL]

Are you driving an E39 ? If you have that sort of an issue despite the change of those 3 mechanisms, perhaps a mechanic would be more appropriate to sort out your predicament. Or read up the forum here on similar issues faced by other 39 owners

ops sorry, e36 ...

 

[infinityKL]

Today checked my car by Ah Kwan, he mentioned that my steering just feel normal and nothing wrong, so i guess it is my mental problem now..:stupid:

ha ha thats wat my mech says too.. im so fussy and picky.. paranoid wt all this little sound..

anyway my cousins 39 steering feels tight and responsive... im jealous, hehe...:wink:

but the the 39 got another problem, airbag lights comes on and off ..?? :stupid:

 

[bmw7833]

but the the 39 got another problem, airbag lights comes on and off ..?? :stupid:

Ask your cousin to replace the seatmate airbag sensor..cost around rm500-600.

 

[eddiefiola]

bmw7833, had similar problem like u last time....

i changed my internal parts of my steering rack (ie: buy the repair kit), problem solved.....

6-cylinder e39 steering should not have free play, it should feel tight n just nice......unlike 6-cylinder e46 steering....ahhaahaaha......

 

[bmw7833]

bmw7833, had similar problem like u last time....

i changed my internal parts of my steering rack (ie: buy the repair kit), problem solved.....

6-cylinder e39 steering should not have free play, it should feel tight n just nice......unlike 6-cylinder e46 steering....ahhaahaaha......

Woww, u are really 'hate' e46, hahh..

Thanks bro.