Steering drop arm (pitman arm) and wandering

[Russell]

I was looking at the steering and suspension section the e34 repair manual on bmwtechinfo.com and noticed something that may greatly affect the wander some of our cars are afflicted with.

Section 32 21/8 mentioned that steering drop arm (aka steering pitman arm) when adjusted correctly optimizes directional stability on rough road surfaces. It mentions the use of special tool 32 2 120 to insure that the “steering drop arm” is aligned correctly

Following is the link to http://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/741en/index.htm. This is the main page of the manual

Has anyone had this adjustment (or similar) completed on his or her car?

[632 Regal]

your link goes to the main page not what you intended

[Russell]

your link goes to the main page not what you intended

I know, thats why I said it went to the main page. I also stated the section #. I could not make the link go to the correct page-only to the main page?? The best I could do. Sorry.

[632 Regal]

never heard of this adjustment but found the page:

[Russell]

never heard of this adjustment but found the page:

Way to go! I think I need to brush up on my computer skills

[632 Regal]

you right click the picture and copy the link location and paste back.

Seriously studying this I never saw this before and cant even make a general comment but them BMW guys knew their shyt back in the day. To get someone knowledgeable now is tough. I am wondering if them tools just held the steering in a certain height compared to the frame. Other than that I just don't get it. Has to be distance from the frame or distance to center... I just don't get it.

[Russell]

I hope to ask my indy about it. Last resort ask the dealer about it .

Since the 7 series is similar, wonder if the e32 or e38 guys know anything about it. Perhaps an alignment shop has some idea? It certianly has my interest.

[632 Regal]

General alignment shops will just give a stare at you like a deer in headlights... lol

[Russell]

General alignment shops will just give a stare at you like a deer in headlights... lol

I agree. After looking at the illustrations. I think the tool can be fabricated or an alternate way of measuring component distances can be figured out. bet some of the engineers or wanna-be engineers on this boad can figure it out.