What steering components commonly fail?

[Jay 535i]

My car's steering is a little vague, especially around the straight-ahead. It's not terrible, but I don't have anything to compare it to.

Are there any common problems that can lead to this?

Do these cars have a rack and pinion or a recirculating ball system?

[shogun]

it is all in here
http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/trouble/what_will_break.htm

[Qsilver7]

E34 uses the recirculating ball system.

The replaceable steering linkage parts are:
1. left/right tie rods (#3)
2. center tie rod (#9)
3. idler arm (#14)
4. Ptiman arm (#10) this arm has no bushing so really isn't normal to replace since the bushing is on the ctr tie rod and the other end is attached to the steering pump.
http://www.bmwtoolkit.com/BMW/32/0336.png

[632 Regal]

Did you tighten the steering shaft nut under the dash yet?

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

Behind the wheel again?

It's a chronic problem with many cars

[Jay 535i]

Did you tighten the steering shaft nut under the dash yet?

Dunno what you're talking about.

If it's a recirculating ball system, then maybe this is normal.

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

[http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/trouble/steeringplay.htm