Steering play, part II

[Interceptor]

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?

[duckloads]

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.

[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.

[Interceptor]

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.

[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!!

[Interceptor]

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 :)

[peks]

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

steering box (http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Maintenance/Steering/Steering_box.htm)

steering nut (http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/trouble/steeringplay.htm)

[Interceptor]

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

steering box (http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Maintenance/Steering/Steering_box.htm)

steering nut (http://www.bmwe34.net/e34main/trouble/steeringplay.htm)
Indeed. My bad. Will try that over the weekend.

My apologies to BM-BOY! :)

[theonew]

Is there a difference in steering play with the motor running and the motor off?

[Interceptor]

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.

[theonew]

I notice a pretty big difference in play with the motor running vs. off. This is purely speculation but I'll bet it has something to do with the recirculation of the ball bearings in the steering box, their purpose being mainly to take up the slop in the gears. From what I've read you should make only small adjustments to the steering box, start the car and test for play. I'm guessing that if you adjust the steering box so there is no play when the motor is off you have probably overtightened the box and will wear it out more quickly.
Hopefully others know more about this.

[632 Regal]

can you get someone to turn the steering wheel as you watch from under the car to verify where the play is? Tightening the steering box is a last resort and its a pretty delicate operation for a minimal improvement. If it is the box you should start shopping early.

[Interceptor]

can you get someone to turn the steering wheel as you watch from under the car to verify where the play is? Tightening the steering box is a last resort and its a pretty delicate operation for a minimal improvement. If it is the box you should start shopping early.
I'll have to jack up my car and ask my friend to help me with it - it seems that this weekend will be a grease monkey weekend :)