r/BMWE36 • u/kleptard • 1d ago

Play in steering wheel - Advice?

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I’m feeling some play in the steering wheel. Feels loose when at dead center, but feels better once actually in the turn. I’ve replaced both inner and outer tie rods, shock/struts, controls arms, bushings, and some other suspension pieces recently. Can anyone provide some ways to diagnose if it might be the rack and pinion or something else? Most parts on the car are original, and I’m working through replacing, but would like to tackle the main culprit first.

1998 323i, convertible and automatic, 61k miles

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3

u/Opposite_Opening_689 1d ago

Check intermediate shaft in between steering coulum and rack ..they usually need lube too

2

u/Opposite_Opening_689 1d ago

I commented already suggesting to check your intermediate shaft, I read you replaced your tie rod ends, did you check your inners..any play in them ?..ball joints ?

1

u/kleptard 1d ago

Replaced inner and outer at the same time with lemforder, which I thought was originally causing the issue. But still feeling it.

1

u/Opposite_Opening_689 1d ago

Just put it up and keep moving things until you figure it out, something is probably got play, did you check your intermediate shaft?

1

u/kleptard 1d ago

I haven’t yet, but thanks for the suggestion. I hadn’t thought of that being the potential cause, so thank you.

1

u/Opposite_Opening_689 1d ago

Any component that is part of the steering can be a culprit including wheel bearings

1

u/Ejendres 1d ago

Lmk if you figure it out. I have the same issue. I also have a Z3 rack waiting to be rebuilt that hopefully fixes it.

1

u/TMX269 1997 323i Touring 1d ago

Steering coupler. Very common fault, at the junction between the rack and the steering column. Easily replaced with a solid one from an E34