Steering coupling???

[sclass]

Get this, I have a NEW ZF rack, NEW OEM tierods, NEWish control arms, NEWish powerflex bushes, NEW OEM lower steering joint...and there's is still a loose/disconnected feeling...and I'm not crazy, I recently drove a lady driven (read careless!) Lexus IS200 (import; these are like corollas here...) that had knocking noises and thuds coming from EVERYWHERE but I immediately noticed that the steering felt weighty, connected, and direct...

 

[calypso]

What tires you got?

 

[Doomsdaya]

Get this, I have a NEW ZF rack, NEW OEM tierods, NEWish control arms, NEWish powerflex bushes, NEW OEM lower steering joint...and there's is still a loose/disconnected feeling...

You must be joking dude ??? you spent like over 10k on parts & that loose feeling is still there :thinking:

 

[Ram3on]

@sclass.....have you checked the actual steering wheel connection inside the car on the actual shaft, I had the same problem on a '97 E36 328 vert and after going through the process that you described, the main steering column shaft had a problem on the top splines where it mates with the steering wheel? just a thought, easy to check once airbag is out! I'm sure you'll think that you would have heard a 'click' or something inside the car, but I never did....and that was the problem!!

I still have a complete steering coupling for an E36 M3 somewhere (just need to search for it), if it turns out to be the issue? PM me..... :fencelook:

 

[Doomsdaya]

@sclass.....have you checked the actual steering wheel connection inside the car on the actual shaft, I had the same problem on a '97 E36 328 vert and after going through the process that you described, the main steering column shaft had a problem on the top splines where it mates with the steering wheel? just a thought, easy to check once airbag is out! I'm sure you'll think that you would have heard a 'click' or something inside the car, but I never did....and that was the problem!!

@Ram3on when I turn the steering wheel side to side while the car is stationery, a slight knocking sound can be heard and felt throught the floorwell, even in the passenger side it can be felt. Is this the steering shaft or something else ???

 

[Ram3on]

@Ram3on when I turn the steering wheel side to side while the car is stationery, a slight knocking sound can be heard and felt throught the floorwell, even in the passenger side it can be felt. Is this the steering shaft or something else ???
[/quote]

I would guess that to be one of the 'universal' joints on the coupling that's faulty! Very unlikely that it's the 'steering shaft' although it is mounted on bearings and that could be a job to swop out to check. Would start with the 'coupling' which is easy to swop out! I have the complete rack, coupling and steering column out of my E36 M3 race car (RIP) and you are welcome to borrow what you need in order to establish whats the matter with yours? Planning to fit all those goodies in a new E30 project :idea:

 

[sclass]

What tires you got?

Continental SC3 all round (bought new)

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Get this, I have a NEW ZF rack, NEW OEM tierods, NEWish control arms, NEWish powerflex bushes, NEW OEM lower steering joint...and there's is still a loose/disconnected feeling...

You must be joking dude ??? you spent like over 10k on parts & that loose feeling is still there :thinking:

Eish dude...

I had to buy the rack because there was a knocking sound coming from it which has since disappeared with the new one. Steering did improve but I got to believe that it can be better. My last hope is replacing the power-steering pump (slightly whiney, moves between over and under assistance randomly...)

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@sclass.....have you checked the actual steering wheel connection inside the car on the actual shaft, I had the same problem on a '97 E36 328 vert and after going through the process that you described, the main steering column shaft had a problem on the top splines where it mates with the steering wheel? just a thought, easy to check once airbag is out! I'm sure you'll think that you would have heard a 'click' or something inside the car, but I never did....and that was the problem!!

I still have a complete steering coupling for an E36 M3 somewhere (just need to search for it), if it turns out to be the issue? PM me..... :fencelook:

Wsup!

No it hadn't occured to me to chech the upper shaft/column. I guess it was easier to go after the usual suspects :rollsmile: I'll get that checked out and get back to you about the M3 stuff.

Thanks alot :thumbs::thumbs: