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Free play in steering

Tiny
NASER NASER
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 BMW 325I
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 215,000 MILES
Am very familiar with these BMW's E46, and usually if there is a free play in the steering it's the lower control arm. But this car has new tires, no play in 3/6 or 6/12 and arms look good. There is play while steering is locked that I know shouldn't be there based on many I bought and sold. Can you tell or have you seen anything similar in the past?
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Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 AT 12:28 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Have you checked tie rods? Also, at 215,000 there could be play in the rack and pinion itself. Also, have you checked the steering shaft coupler? One other thing to check is the double joint as the lower portion of the steering shaft. It can have excessive wear. See pictures 1 and 2.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 AT 4:46 PM
Tiny
NASER NASER
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  • 836 POSTS
Tie rods okay, not common to see rack play on these. I probably sold over 200 of them never ever had such issue. Coupler sounds about right. Am going to check it tomorrow. That is what you mean when you said one other thing, isn't it? The coupler is basically two joints together as I understand it.
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Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 AT 5:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Yes, that is correct. I have seen them wear and create play in the steering.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, April 21st, 2020 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
BMWE46318I
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
I am desperate for help, and I cannot verify my e-mail so I can place a question on the website since I have not yet to receive a verification mail from the website.
I just replaced my Power Steering Pump for my BMW e46 i318 because I began to hear a whining noise from the old one when I was turning on the car and when turning the steering wheel. I successfully replaced the old with a new one, but there is still a whining noise when I turn my steering wheel. I have also checked the Power Steering Fluid, and there is the right amount in the reservoir.
I then took a look at the hose, and by the looks of it, is it possible to assume that the hose is causing a clog?
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Wednesday, January 13th, 2021 AT 9:07 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I watched your video. Yes, it is very possible that you have a hose issue. I circled both hoses in the attached pic. The dry hose seems to have a kink in the bend which will cause an issue The second circle is just indicating a leak.

Is that what you are referring to?

As far as play, have you checked the joint I indicated prior?

Joe
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Friday, January 15th, 2021 AT 3:09 AM
Tiny
BMWE46318I
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
That's exactly what I was referring to. How do I fix the kink? And how do I also fix the leak on the second circle?
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Saturday, January 16th, 2021 AT 10:32 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The kink is an issue. The hoses should be form-fitted and moulded to make the turn. Is this something you have replaced or someone other has done? The only choice is to move the mount so it prevents the hose from kinking. Or, you may need to see if you can get a hose that has that bend built into it.

Now for the leak, make sure the hose clamp is tight. Also, make sure there are no tears or damage to the present hose.

Let me know.

Joe
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Saturday, January 16th, 2021 AT 12:39 PM
Tiny
BMWE46318I
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
Hi!
I have good news! I fixed the problem! The hose was bended/kinked so much that the oil in the lines could not get to the pump. So I moved the hose a bit and the noise was gone! Thank you so much for the help!
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Sunday, January 17th, 2021 AT 8:11 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,269 POSTS
Hi,

You are very welcome. I'm glad to hear you got it taken care of. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future if you need help. You're always welcome.

Joe
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Monday, January 18th, 2021 AT 8:11 PM

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