steering too light/vague feel

[Jipster]

Fellow forumers, I have a question thats quite the opposite of what afflicts member jasonn who has posted here about a heavy steering problem.... My problem is an overly light feeling steering, which feels vague, doesnt really feel connected to the road, as well as some free play present in the steering (somewhat fixed - see below) = results in lack of confidence when going at speed, especially in corners... After much private consultation with sifus like our mister 535i to no avail, I have decided to post the question to a wider audience... does anyone have any theories as to the cause? FYI car is E30 320i 2 door 1984, rack has been rebuilt at least a few months ago by ah foo & friends at optimum auto and I have been over there just yesterday to have it looked at and the boys there did look at a washer and what looked like a spring which was 'adjusted' (not sure what was done) which led to a heavier more reassuring feel at first but alas still not satisfactory.... obviously the short drive around the block didnt reveal that problem was still present.... OK, the car is goddamn old granted but it didnt use to feel like this so I figure something happened which also means that it can probably be fixed.... I dont normally make a habit of going very fast, nor am a track star but I do enjoy my rust bucket a lot and this problem has mad me feel very depressed about driving it..... Please advise oh learned ones.....

 

[Lee36328]

How long ago was your steering rack installed or rebuilt? Sounds like a new steering rack might be in order. I know, easy way out, but after all other avenues are exhausted, should look into this.

 

[Strider]

do the tyre alignment first and also check your tyre preasure and see from there

 

[Jipster]

Lee,

Now that you mentioned it checked my files and found date of steering rack rebuild is Oct 2006! I seemd like a few months ago I did this but I guess I'm wrong. But is it the rack? The tell tales signs of rack problem is not there eg leaking etc. This was confirmed when the car was up on the lift through visual inspection and misc. prodding and poking...

I dont think this is a rack issue, pls prove me wrong... Lee, next weekend you test drive my car and tell me what you think.... izam, if you free need you to assist too.... me buying drinks


Strider,

Have done both...


Am prepared to give this one up ... age of car have made me weary.... time to move on I guess...

 

[evilnickwong]

I have a similar attribute (I never thought it was a problem) on my '91 E30.
Everytime I drive my dad's E36 or E39 for awhile, going back to my E30 feels like a world of difference as it's very much lighter. I never found any problems with the steering rack though.

 

[evilnickwong]

I have a similar attribute (I never thought it was a problem) on my '91 E30.
Everytime I drive my dad's E36 or E39 for awhile, going back to my E30 feels like a world of difference as it's very much lighter. I never found any problems with the steering rack though.

 

[Randy]

had a simiar problem on my E34 where the steering was so light. Had it check and fixed. It was due to the tie rod and the bearings.

Not it is fine

 

[damontwb]

You'll noticed PS oil leakage symptom when you hit steering rack issue i believe.
After replaced of new PS rack you'll felt the steering more tighten and stability in high cruise. Before that was very light.