E36 Steering vibration

[Gad-Westy]

Just noticed that I'm getting a vibration through the steering about the straight ahead and through right hand bends on my E36. As soon as you have any lefthand lock applied, it dissappears. Is this likely to be something like a knackered track rod end? Any other ideas?

While I'm here my steering column squeaks as well. How can I cure it?

[Fixedwheelnut]

Sounds like either a lower ball joint, trackrod end or uneven tyre thread.

Jack up the front and check for freeplay in any of the steering joints and spin the wheels and look to see if the tyres or wheels are out of round.

[blackspider]

Gad-Westy said:

Just noticed that I'm getting a vibration through the steering about the straight ahead and through right hand bends on my E36. As soon as you have any lefthand lock applied, it dissappears. Is this likely to be something like a knackered track rod end? Any other ideas?

While I'm here my steering column squeaks as well. How can I cure it?

Agree it sounds like the lower outer ball joint is giving up (these are pressed in so dont try to replace unless you have all the kit) or a track rod end.

The squeak I presume is from the steering wheel end-in which case you need to take off the steering wheel and remove the slip ring-this item need to be greased(only lightly).
If you have an airbag,your best advised to disconnect the battery.This will help prevent the airbag light coming on and it is also safe practice(store the airbag roundel facing up-terminals down)

[m3evo2]

blackspider said:

Gad-Westy said:

Just noticed that I'm getting a vibration through the steering about the straight ahead and through right hand bends on my E36. As soon as you have any lefthand lock applied, it dissappears. Is this likely to be something like a knackered track rod end? Any other ideas?

While I'm here my steering column squeaks as well. How can I cure it?

Agree it sounds like the lower outer ball joint is giving up (these are pressed in so dont try to replace unless you have all the kit) or a track rod end.

The squeak I presume is from the steering wheel end-in which case you need to take off the steering wheel and remove the slip ring-this item need to be greased(only lightly).
If you have an airbag,your best advised to disconnect the battery.This will help prevent the airbag light coming on and it is also safe practice (store the airbag roundel facing up-terminals down)

In the boot

[Gad-Westy]

Thanks fellas. I think I'll dig the jack out this weekend and have a waggle. If it turns out to be a lower balljoint, I do have a removal tool. Is that going to suffice or is this a job for a garage.

On the squeeking issue, I'm sure its at the steering wheel end so I will need to remove the wheel. I just found a handy right-up on exactly what's involved so I think I'll give it a go.

Thanks again.

[blackspider]

Gad-Westy said:

Thanks fellas. I think I'll dig the jack out this weekend and have a waggle. If it turns out to be a lower balljoint, I do have a removal tool. Is that going to suffice or is this a job for a garage.

On the squeeking issue, I'm sure its at the steering wheel end so I will need to remove the wheel. I just found a handy right-up on exactly what's involved so I think I'll give it a go.

Thanks again.

[blackspider]

Gad-Westy said:

Thanks fellas. I think I'll dig the jack out this weekend and have a waggle. If it turns out to be a lower balljoint, I do have a removal tool. Is that going to suffice or is this a job for a garage.

On the squeeking issue, I'm sure its at the steering wheel end so I will need to remove the wheel. I just found a handy right-up on exactly what's involved so I think I'll give it a go.

Thanks again.

The joints are tight and do need pressing back in(make sure its the right way aroud when going back in).When pressing back in it is posible to damage the joint easily-you will see when you look at the joint that you need a tool with a cut out in the midle.
You will also need more than just a puller-the tool we use is quite strong and we still manage to brake them