Steering wheel loose

TypeDre · 03-08-2017, 03:57 PM

Hi guys,

I've been dealing with an issue with my steering wheel/rack for awhile. This issue started as soon as I dropped the subframe to install downpipes on my 2008 335xi Coupe.

Basically the problem is my steering wheel is off centered and a few degrees off to the left when driving straight, however the steering wheel goes back to the centered position after I take a right turn, but as soon as I make a left turn or drive to the left the steering wheel goes off centered again. I originally thought it was my lower control arm bushing so I bought the control arm replacement kit from FCPEuro and have tie rods and both control arms replaced with no success. I've taken it to 3 alignment shops and all have told me that there is something loose with the steering rack? Or something with the steering.

My question is what part of the steering rack could be loose that we might have overlooked while dropping the subframe ?

Thanks in advance!

Flyboy161 · 03-09-2017, 10:14 AM

So, you dropped the subframe and then the problem started. Go back ove the procedure to drop the subframe. Did you have to disconnect the steering wheel linkage near the rack and pinion?

TypeDre · 03-16-2017, 11:31 PM

Fixed this issue today. It was the two steering rack bolts. Apparently they were loose and needed to be retightened

Tightened up the E12 bolt and now the steering wheel is heavier and feels alot tighter!

F82Tazmanian · 03-20-2017, 11:00 AM

Where exactly are the two bolts? I am having a loose steering issue, but was thinking steering shaft/u-joint replacement. Driving me nuts.

03-08-2017, 03:57 PM	#1
TypeDre Private First Class 111 Rep 186 Posts Drives: F82 MW 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: 206 iTrader: (0)	Steering wheel loose Hi guys, I've been dealing with an issue with my steering wheel/rack for awhile. This issue started as soon as I dropped the subframe to install downpipes on my 2008 335xi Coupe. Basically the problem is my steering wheel is off centered and a few degrees off to the left when driving straight, however the steering wheel goes back to the centered position after I take a right turn, but as soon as I make a left turn or drive to the left the steering wheel goes off centered again. I originally thought it was my lower control arm bushing so I bought the control arm replacement kit from FCPEuro and have tie rods and both control arms replaced with no success. I've taken it to 3 alignment shops and all have told me that there is something loose with the steering rack? Or something with the steering. My question is what part of the steering rack could be loose that we might have overlooked while dropping the subframe ? Thanks in advance!
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03-09-2017, 10:14 AM	#2
Flyboy161 Second Lieutenant 274 Rep 293 Posts Drives: 2008 E93 M3 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Perry, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00] 2012 BMW E92 335i [0.00]	So, you dropped the subframe and then the problem started. Go back ove the procedure to drop the subframe. Did you have to disconnect the steering wheel linkage near the rack and pinion?
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03-16-2017, 11:31 PM	#3
TypeDre Private First Class 111 Rep 186 Posts Drives: F82 MW 6MT Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: 206 iTrader: (0)	Fixed this issue today. It was the two steering rack bolts. Apparently they were loose and needed to be retightened Tightened up the E12 bolt and now the steering wheel is heavier and feels alot tighter!
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03-20-2017, 11:00 AM	#4
F82Tazmanian Captain 139 Rep 638 Posts Drives: M8 Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	Where exactly are the two bolts? I am having a loose steering issue, but was thinking steering shaft/u-joint replacement. Driving me nuts.
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