350i Excessive play in steering wheel.

[mrzigazaga]

Thanks for that Stevo...When i checked it yesterday the movement became less with the PAS off..Around 1/4" of play before the wheels moved..However with it on there is around 2.5" of play..On a invoice for some work that i had done last year there was an advisory that there was play in the input shaft to the rack and also the track rod ends so it was refurbished...Apparently...Im wondering if they totally rebuilt it like they should of...Its still under warranty so more investigating will be carried soon to see if this is the cause..It makes me think now that it is... Also if the PAS affects the amount of play then i can't see it being a UJ???...Cheers...Ziga

Edited by mrzigazaga on Tuesday 3rd February 18:22

[adam quantrill]

That's interesting - the PAS being on will tend to amplify any looseness downstream of the rack - this is putting the emphasis back on track rods (both inner and outer ends), ball joints, and the like. When the engine is off this looseness will be harder to overcome (this is why it feels tighter.)

Maybe there's play both at the top, and at the bottom?

[mrzigazaga]

I think the top end is okay...I will have the steering wheel off tomorrow to check the boss but its more likely to be the rack..As i said in a couple of posts back..When you hold the centre column and pull it toward you and then push it away you can feel a movement of around 3-5mm which could be getting transferred from the input to the rack...I will get it up and have a wheel off tomorrow if i can secure a parking space outside and not facing down hill ..

[adam quantrill]

Do you think the input shaft is sliding in and out - like it's not secured properly? I guess if this allows the shaft to rotate against the rack, thins might explain some of the play. What keeps the shaft in place - is it some sort of circlip?

[mrzigazaga]

Not too sure TBH...Not sure how the play comes into play...(Excuse the pun)..There are bearings and seals that could fail although i haven't noticed a loss in power steering fluid...
Maybe the pinion is worn?...(Ian could be right)...

[ElvisWedgely]

Although the rack has been refurbished, some places just check and change the worn parts of the existing rack and send it back as refurbished. Many years ago I used to own and run a car spares shop where we used to send parts for refurbishment, and unfortunately not all do a proper job. Although this may not be the problem in your case, it's worth considering.

Tony. TCB.

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Tony...That did cross my mind...No-one knows what these people do but if it has just been fitted with new seals and painted then they will have to do it again...Im not sure who was used to rebuild it but i always use power steering services and have never had an issue with them or heard of anyone with one...Hopefully will get to the bottom of it...Cheers...Ziga

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Peeps...Well went to have the steering looked at and luckily it was just the top bolt on the top UJ..All good...Cheers..Ziga

[Sireatalot]

glad you've sorted it..

time for

[adam quantrill]

Hopefully the splines didn't get too shagged while it was loose! Probably best that you didn't drive it.