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Thread: Steering play, part II

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
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    Split, Croatia
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    Default Steering play, part II

    Since I didn't get a reply in one of the earlier post, I'll repeat the question in hope that some nice and experienced people will see it this time:

    "I just checked that nut behind the steering wheel today, and it was VERY tight - I couldn't do anything with it. I watched the steering box while turning the steering wheel, and it seems that there is no play between the wheel and the shaft that goes directly into the steering box, but there's still play noticable while driving! Is my steering box shot?"

    Anyone?

    P.S. The telescoping thingy functions normally?
    BMW E34 528i, M52B28 + M50 manifold, Remus exhaust, ///M Parallel Spoke 18" rims

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
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    107

    Default

    I didn't read your other post but, there is so much "stuff" after the steering box that your play could be anything. Tie rod ends, idler arm, pitman arm, ball joints, etc. Have someone move the wheel back and forth while you get under the car and look for something moving before the wheels move.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2003
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    Eastern Tennessee USi
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    14,839

    Default

    just cause the nut behind the wheel is tight dont mean its tight...there is a break away torque which I experienced, I loosened it about 1/4 turn then tightened it another almost 2 turns until the telescoping part was tight to pull out or push in. Since I dont use mine in anything but the fully extended position I didnt se any reason to leave it so loose that it slides easy...this was a night and day difference in my car.

    edit: inspect the entire front end for any play, one sloppy end or joint will cause this and also the rear dogbones attribute a looseness on the road.
    95 E34 530I V2.37
    ===========
    Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.

    John F. Kennedy

  4. #4
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    Nov 2004
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    Split, Croatia
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by 632 Regal
    just cause the nut behind the wheel is tight dont mean its tight...there is a break away torque which I experienced, I loosened it about 1/4 turn then tightened it another almost 2 turns until the telescoping part was tight to pull out or push in. Since I dont use mine in anything but the fully extended position I didnt se any reason to leave it so loose that it slides easy...this was a night and day difference in my car.

    edit: inspect the entire front end for any play, one sloppy end or joint will cause this and also the rear dogbones attribute a looseness on the road.
    OK, let me clarify a bit - the shaft that enters the steering box moves together with the steering wheel and no play is noticed, HOWEVER, during that (very light) steering there is no wheel movement! Wheels start moving only if I steer enough degrees to feel much more friction.
    BMW E34 528i, M52B28 + M50 manifold, Remus exhaust, ///M Parallel Spoke 18" rims

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2005
    Location
    Exeter, Devon, UK
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    106

    Default

    Same as in my car... You can adjust the steering box - go to http://www.bmwe34.net/ where it'll tell you how to adjust it... I haven't gotten around to it yet mind, so dunno if that will fix my play or not!!

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
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    Split, Croatia
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by BM-BOY
    Same as in my car... You can adjust the steering box - go to http://www.bmwe34.net/ where it'll tell you how to adjust it... I haven't gotten around to it yet mind, so dunno if that will fix my play or not!!
    Thanks, but I already know that, and tried tightening the nut but the play is still there. Read the whole thread before posting, please
    BMW E34 528i, M52B28 + M50 manifold, Remus exhaust, ///M Parallel Spoke 18" rims

  7. #7
    Join Date
    May 2004
    Location
    Minneapolis, MN
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    269

    Default

    tightening the steering nut and adjusting the steering box a re two different things

    steering box

    steering nut
    -Pekka

  8. #8
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    Nov 2004
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    Quote Originally Posted by peks
    tightening the steering nut and adjusting the steering box a re two different things

    steering box

    steering nut
    Indeed. My bad. Will try that over the weekend.

    My apologies to BM-BOY!
    BMW E34 528i, M52B28 + M50 manifold, Remus exhaust, ///M Parallel Spoke 18" rims

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2004
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    New York City
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    Is there a difference in steering play with the motor running and the motor off?
    '95 525it 88k

  10. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by theonew
    Is there a difference in steering play with the motor running and the motor off?
    Yes, there's SLIGHTLY less play when motor is running.
    BMW E34 528i, M52B28 + M50 manifold, Remus exhaust, ///M Parallel Spoke 18" rims

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