E36 - Steering problems

momo77

momo77

Member
Hi everyone,
I'm driving the 318i e36. Recently, i find that the steering, when i'm driving slowly and parking seems to be not smooth at all when turning it. It seems to be like strained and like a fuzzy vibrating feeling when i turn. There's also a very soft humming when turning.. so hard to explain.. Anyone knows whats wrong?
Appreciate yr help.. Thanks !
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

perhaps power steering fluid low? when was the last time you checked?
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

Check ur steering rack...............
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

yes..expensive..time to change to a z3 steering rack
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

Most probably its due to the steering rack. I got a reliable mechanic whom you may wished to check out the cost of repair. Hoong Zhai 9062 3988, he specialised in brimmers. Good luck!
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

From wer???? Which workshop???..............
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

specialise in brimmers leh
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

sorry to borrow this thread.

what about knocking sounds from the steering when i do turning? i only get the knocking sound at times, especially at slow turning. into the car parks or parking my car.
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

check bearings?
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

benji ben;385336 said:
sorry to borrow this thread.

what about knocking sounds from the steering when i do turning? i only get the knocking sound at times, especially at slow turning. into the car parks or parking my car.
Click to expand...

Knuckles......... but if want to confirm.... bring to workshop to check...
Satayman say 1.......... :laughlik: :laughlik:
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

jason3s;385604 said:
check bearings?
Click to expand...

hmm you mean the steering bearings? or the suspension bearings?

milk15;385612 said:
Knuckles......... but if want to confirm.... bring to workshop to check...
Satayman say 1.......... :laughlik: :laughlik:
Click to expand...

what knuckles? pork knuckles? hahaha sigh got to spend money again. :(
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

could be either, worn suspension bearings could contribute to a deep thumping sound, as could worn steering bushings(which should result in steering shimmy under hard braking). Find an empty road and give it a test.

I think milk meant the kingpin, not sure if i'm correct though. In any case, all the above mentioned scenarios should be accompanied by steering vibrations, noticed you didn't mention vibration issues, so might be something else altogether.
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

jason3s;385634 said:
could be either, worn suspension bearings could contribute to a deep thumping sound, as could worn steering bushings(which should result in steering shimmy under hard braking). Find an empty road and give it a test.

I think milk meant the kingpin, not sure if i'm correct though. In any case, all the above mentioned scenarios should be accompanied by steering vibrations, noticed you didn't mention vibration issues, so might be something else altogether.
Click to expand...

Dun bother explain to Benji........ He's just act innocent and act blur.... :nehnehhh:
Stock 316i but need 318i ECU to function...... :lol2: :lol2:
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

Steering racks aren't designed to last 12-15 years.. they need to be replaced or rebuilt with a NEW unit.. not another used one.. unless you enjoy replacing parts every few months

Whining sounds and slight vibration while steering lock to lock are usually due to low fluid level in the power steering fluid circuit, causing the p/s pump to cavitate (air bubbles). My original steering rack was leaving fluid out of the main seal and I was topping up fluid every other day until I saved up enough to replace everything...

As for knocking sounds.. it usually points to a bad ball joint or bushing. for E36's there are no ball joints in the kingpin or knuckle, they are both on the lower control arm, so replacing that usually solves everything.. the steering tie rod joint is probably worn out, but replacing the rack would solve that too

I see a lot of guys doing incremental maintenance on their suspension components.. that might work on a light toyota or honda, but BMW's are heavy and it takes it toll on the suspension components.. worse still I see people replacing worn out parts with used parts, you have to buy brand new.. If your ball joints and bushings are worn, and you replace only the bushing, the ball joint will fail over time and vice versa.. the end result is that your car is in and out of workshops every few months and you'll just be wasting money replacing parts... the suspension components work together, replacing one part at a time just doesn't work... just save up about 3k and replace everything at one shot, it should last you a couple of years and give you peace of mind to mod other things

Parts to replace (buy Brand New from stockist)
1. Steering rack - ~900 (just get the Z3 1.9 rack, rack includes tie rods etc)
2. Front lower control arms - 100 each x 2
3. Lower steering joint - 300 (or you can make an aluminum piece like I did)
4. Front lower control arm bushing - 50 (they are the "lollipop" bushings)
5. Entire Suspension - 900 - 3000 (depending on your budget)
6. Rear trailing arm bushings - 150 (get the solid E46 M3 ones or UUC urethane)
7. Rear camber arms - 150 (these get bent over time and lead to weird alignment issues)
8. Rear subframe bushings - 200 (optional)
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

joonie....

u r scaring benjie!!! he just spent a bomb on his monster engine under the hood last month...
hahaha... ben, ai race mai? guni says one...
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

Joon..thanks for the info and prices...I have a ton of stuff to replace argh
 
Re: E36 - Steering problems

wahhhh damn stress ahhh!!! :(

but anyway, thanks joon for the informations. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 187 (members: 0, guests: 187)

Forum statistics

Threads
82,758
Messages
1,019,361
Members
78,670
Latest member
oxbett2com

Latest posts

Back
Top