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/troubl...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.

[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