Steering Playing Need help

saace7 · 02-01-2013, 01:57 AM

I changed my steering rack a few months back and got an alignment but i still seem to have play in my steering wheel. It is mostly noticeable when I am on the interstate and going in a straight line. Doesnt seem firm when It is TDC while driving. Is there a more proper way to bleed the system then just turning the wheels back and forth while filling? or should I look into possibly changing the steering coupler or another part?

[[03' 325i 126k miles]]

KrasivataSabine · 02-01-2013, 02:04 AM

How many miles on the car?

What you probably have is a worn steering flex coupler, basically a rubber piece that connects your end of the steering wheel to the rack itself. The rubber deteriorates over time, and gives you that "play" feel. Simply replace it! It's not an expensive part and it can be DIY'd- a couple of people have documented the process on this forum.

saace7 · 02-01-2013, 02:07 AM

noted above^^ i have 126,000ish miles

KrasivataSabine · 02-01-2013, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saace7

noted above^^ i have 126,000ish miles

woops, sorry. Given the mileage, I suspect its worn rubber on the steering coupler. I would get a second opinion but there's mine

330iPilot · 02-01-2013, 08:57 AM

If its playing tell it to stop and get back to work! There's nothing worse than a lazy steering rack!

WDE46 · 02-01-2013, 08:59 AM

You should smack the mechanic who sold you a new rack. Replace the steering wheel flex coupler and rejoice! $50!

saace7 · 02-01-2013, 10:17 AM

i got the rack from rack doctor...

And ok, Imma give that a shot and see how it goes. Ill give you guys an update once it is installed.

saace7 · 02-01-2013, 11:39 AM

*Update*

After taking a second look at the coupler. It doesnt seem to move at all... But i am almost certain i am hearing a click from the pinion/steering rack. Could it be a possibility the rack doctor sold me a faulty rack??

lcoleman · 02-01-2013, 11:51 AM

Check both inner and outer tie rod ends. This is the most likely place for play.

saace7 · 02-01-2013, 11:57 AM

I changed the outter tie rod's when i did the steering rack, the rack came with new inner rods. (as rack doctor claims)

02-01-2013, 01:57 AM	#1
saace7 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Louisiana Posts: 43 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	Steering Playing Need help I changed my steering rack a few months back and got an alignment but i still seem to have play in my steering wheel. It is mostly noticeable when I am on the interstate and going in a straight line. Doesnt seem firm when It is TDC while driving. Is there a more proper way to bleed the system then just turning the wheels back and forth while filling? or should I look into possibly changing the steering coupler or another part? [[03' 325i 126k miles]]

02-01-2013, 02:04 AM	#2
KrasivataSabine Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Del Puerto Canyon Drive, CA Posts: 589 My Ride: 323Ci View My Garage	How many miles on the car? What you probably have is a worn steering flex coupler, basically a rubber piece that connects your end of the steering wheel to the rack itself. The rubber deteriorates over time, and gives you that "play" feel. Simply replace it! It's not an expensive part and it can be DIY'd- a couple of people have documented the process on this forum. __________________ Last edited by KrasivataSabine; 02-01-2013 at 02:04 AM.

02-01-2013, 10:17 AM	#7
saace7 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Louisiana Posts: 43 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	i got the rack from rack doctor... And ok, Imma give that a shot and see how it goes. Ill give you guys an update once it is installed. Last edited by saace7; 02-01-2013 at 11:39 AM.

02-01-2013, 11:51 AM	#9
lcoleman Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: the barnyard Posts: 2,410 My Ride: '79 Massey Ferguson View My Garage	Check both inner and outer tie rod ends. This is the most likely place for play. __________________

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02-01-2013, 02:07 AM	#3
saace7 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Louisiana Posts: 43 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	noted above^^ i have 126,000ish miles

02-01-2013, 08:57 AM	#5
330iPilot Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 526 My Ride: Titanium Silver 330i View My Garage	If its playing tell it to stop and get back to work! There's nothing worse than a lazy steering rack!

02-01-2013, 08:59 AM	#6
WDE46 Weagle Weagle Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 3,612 My Ride: 2004 330Ci OBM View My Garage	You should smack the mechanic who sold you a new rack. Replace the steering wheel flex coupler and rejoice! $50!

02-01-2013, 11:39 AM	#8
saace7 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Louisiana Posts: 43 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	Update After taking a second look at the coupler. It doesnt seem to move at all... But i am almost certain i am hearing a click from the pinion/steering rack. Could it be a possibility the rack doctor sold me a faulty rack??

02-01-2013, 11:57 AM	#10
saace7 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Louisiana Posts: 43 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	I changed the outter tie rod's when i did the steering rack, the rack came with new inner rods. (as rack doctor claims)