E36 wierd steering problem - help

[SlowMo]

Hello guys

I have a 1996 328i which is giving off a "clunk" when the wheel is turned with the motor running. Its kinda like low-frequency thud felt through the steering wheel and, to a lesser extent, the floor of the car.

When the wheel is turned - especially from the straight-ahead position - resistance builds up and is then released with a "clunk". It's most noticeable when the car is stopped - it happens when driving, too, but it's easier to isolate with no other noise or vibration. When the engine is switched off, there is no clunking or thudding.

It feels power-steering related, I suspect either the rack is causing delaying power assistance input, or the pump is bad? Has anyone else had something similar?

I got a few contrasting opinions from 2 places I took the car to. One says the steering rack needs to be completely reconditioned, the other place says my rack ends and tie-rod ends are causing this.

Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Jandre]

I too am currently battling with a e36 steering issue. Mine is not a clunck as such, but when I turn, it feels as if there is no power steering assistance, and then all of a sudden the wheel turns in unexpectedly. Kinda feels as if the car is twitching underneath you.

Having it checked out on Saturday with our friends at Zeemax. They too suspect steering rack.

Good luck with your issue. Hope you manage.

 

[SlowMo]

I too am currently battling with a e36 steering issue. Mine is not a clunck as such, but when I turn, it feels as if there is no power steering assistance, and then all of a sudden the wheel turns in unexpectedly. Kinda feels as if the car is twitching underneath you.

Having it checked out on Saturday with our friends at Zeemax. They too suspect steering rack.

Good luck with your issue. Hope you manage.

Thanks for the reply.

I guess my problem could also be described like that as well. Please let me know what they tell you.

 

[gazza]

guys maybe check my thread out.

http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=5630

i worked from the link attached and it sorted mine out

good luck

 

[SlowMo]

Jandre any luck with your issue? What did your guys say?

gazza thanks but unfortunately that didn't help. I sprayed the bottom bearing from under the bonnet, but hasn't helped. Do you have to push down on the spring to properly spray the bearing or can u jsut do it from the top while everything is still in place?

I also just changed my rack-ends and tie-rod ends and the problem still exists!

 

[Thunder]

I had the same issue but only when turning left. It turned a bit then felt as if it got stuck and then jumped ad the car kind of dove to the road. After i switched to my 17 inch mags turning left is a bit harder, it doesn`t have the twitch as Jandre called it but like the powersteering isnt working as good as it should.
Also been told its my power steering or the steering rack, just havent had the time yet to have it checked out.

 

[sclass]

If the steering rack is that buggered then it should still make some sort of clunk/clink sound with the car off. Before I changed my steering rack I could clearly hear a sound (esp. with bonnet open) turning the wheel back and forth rapidly. There was also a lot of play in the steering wheel. The sound completely disappeared after I changed the rack, but I still had the 'uneven' power assistance you speak of. My powersteering moans a little bit so it's probably on it's way out, but honestly I haven't minded the heavier steering so I've been slow sorting this out. I guess start with the cheaper option and hope for the best... :fencelook: !!!