2009 Play in steering

[M_Three]

Hi guys.
I have a problem with my E92 steering. There is some play that I can't see to lock down. I have replaced a few front end items but I can't find the problem.

In the center position when driving, there is a loosening in the steering that is annoying and causes a wondering as I constantly correct the input.

Anyone have any clue as to that the cause is?

The car has about 114,000 or so. Help

[EJT86]

What front end parts did you replace?

[M_Three]

Originally Posted by EJT86

What front end parts did you replace?

Thanks for the reply. It appears that the lower ball joints had worn bushing. Everything "seems" tight.

Has there been any reports of worn racks?

[EJT86]

I’m not a huge front end expert but I’d look into tie rods and power steering fluid first. Haven’t heard of warn racks just instances where control arms caused high speed vibration

[twinpuller]

Check that the little screw that connects your steering column to the steering rack is tight. I had this exact issue and it was loose.

[M_Three]

Originally Posted by twinpuller

Check that the little screw that connects your steering column to the steering rack is tight. I had this exact issue and it was loose.

Can you explain what that "Little Screw" means??

[Scrippy]

Originally Posted by M_Three

Can you explain what that "Little Screw" means??

Probably the set screw on the spline where the spline is inserted. Picture a tube with female grooves in its inner lining.....now picture a smaller solid rod with male grooves on its outer side.....the later inserts into the first and then a screw locks them. When you turn the wheel they transfer that down to the rack. You would remove the screw if you had to separate the steering column from the car inside the cabin. I don't think that being loose would account for so much slop due to the machine grooved items but its definitely worth checking. If sliding is allowed it may translate into slop I guess.

[M_Three]

Originally Posted by Scrippy

Probably the set screw on the spline where the spline is inserted. Picture a tube with female grooves in its inner lining.....now picture a smaller solid rod with male grooves on its outer side.....the later inserts into the first and then a screw locks them. When you turn the wheel they transfer that down to the rack. You would remove the screw if you had to separate the steering column from the car inside the cabin. I don't think that being loose would account for so much slop due to the machine grooved items but its definitely worth checking. If sliding is allowed it may translate into slop I guess.

Guys, thanks for that. It will be the first thing I check.

[EJT86]

Originally Posted by Scrippy

Probably the set screw on the spline where the spline is inserted. Picture a tube with female grooves in its inner lining.....now picture a smaller solid rod with male grooves on its outer side.....the later inserts into the firstand then a screw locks them. When you turn the wheel they transfer that down to the rack. You would remove the screw if you had to separate the steering column from the car inside the cabin. I don't think that being loose would account for so much slop due to the machine grooved items but its definitely worth checking. If sliding is allowed it may translate into slop I guess.

Oh yea! Now you’re talkin

[ObviousLynx]

Check the toe for a toe out condition. This will make the vehicle want to turn and could be perceived as wandering. Toe in is what you want for daily driven vehicles. Toe out for track.

[twinpuller]

Originally Posted by Scrippy

Probably the set screw on the spline where the spline is inserted. Picture a tube with female grooves in its inner lining.....now picture a smaller solid rod with male grooves on its outer side.....the later inserts into the first and then a screw locks them. When you turn the wheel they transfer that down to the rack. You would remove the screw if you had to separate the steering column from the car inside the cabin. I don't think that being loose would account for so much slop due to the machine grooved items but its definitely worth checking. If sliding is allowed it may translate into slop I guess.

You said it much better than me. Hope that's what it is for you op.

[nrubenstein]

I believe that there have also been instances of loose steering rack to subframe mounting bolts, so check those as well.

[SAMM3Y]

Originally Posted by ObviousLynx

Check the toe for a toe out condition. This will make the vehicle want to turn and could be perceived as wandering. Toe in is what you want for daily driven vehicles. Toe out for track.

This!!

[Stepanyan]

Originally Posted by Scrippy

Probably the set screw on the spline where the spline is inserted. Picture a tube with female grooves in its inner lining.....now picture a smaller solid rod with male grooves on its outer side.....the later inserts into the first and then a screw locks them. When you turn the wheel they transfer that down to the rack. You would remove the screw if you had to separate the steering column from the car inside the cabin. I don't think that being loose would account for so much slop due to the machine grooved items but its definitely worth checking. If sliding is allowed it may translate into slop I guess.

If you can feel the play only when the steering wheel is about to start moving the wheels to either direction, this should be it. Check the parts catalog at realoem or a similar website and you will know what he is talking about. I had a similar issue on my e39 and it had to do with steering column.

Good luck and let us know what caused it once you figure it out.

[Scrippy]

Originally Posted by Stepanyan

If you can feel the play only when the steering wheel is about to start moving the wheels to either direction, this should be it. Check the parts catalog at realoem or a similar website and you will know what he is talking about. I had a similar issue on my e39 and it had to do with steering column.

Good luck and let us know what caused it once you figure it out.

Thanx but I'm not having the issue. The OP is.

[M_Three]

I wanted to update you guys. I appreciated those that replied.

It seems that I missed an upper ball joint. I didn't make the repairs yet. I think I am going to rebuild all the bushing, front and rear.

Thanks guys.

[mapster37]

also check for play in the joint in the steering shaft that connects to the steering rack. kind of a pain to replace, but with the mileage you have i would give it a look....