Vague steering

[DLCL]

Hi all, new to this so topic may already be covered.
Anyone experienced vague steering on their car? Assume tyre pressures fine, when turn the steering wheel it feels like there is a gap before the wheels start to turn.
It doesn't inspire confidence!!

All help appreciated

[gruffalo]

Welcome to Pistonheads and especially the Cerbera Forum, are you a new owner?

Worn/broken teath on steering rack would be the first thing to look at, jack the front up and feel for play from the road wheel end.

Steering racks are not the greatest and do wear.

[Nickccc]

Could be steering uj, would give you exactly what you describe.

[DLCL]

thanks guys, yeah bought it in September after about 5years of research, I'm normally not that patient !!
Car is great mechanically, which was most important issue, this car has never failed init's life. Could do with a few quid being spent on asthetics,but all else is great

[DLCL]

Excuse my ignorance but what's a Steering uj ??
cheers

Nickccc said:

Could be steering uj, would give you exactly what you describe.

[Nickccc]

Universal joint. Have a look behind the drivers side wheel, you'll see two shafts
joined by the uj, there is another nearer the steering rack, they are prone to wear.

[DLCL]

it just clicked, will do thank for the input, will give it a go in the morning.
D

Nickccc said:

Universal joint. Have a look behind the drivers side wheel, you'll see two shafts
joined by the uj, there is another nearer the steering rack, they are prone to wear.

[al 350i]

get some one to sit in the car and wiggle the steering for you, while you have a look. you'll want the car on the ground to see any play in the links, it won't be easy to see past the wheel though! so best bet would be to remove the F1 panel, this is the large body coloured panel under the air pipes, infront of the engine (there are 3 allen head screws either side holding it down), undo the jubilee clips nearest the engine on the airpipes and unclip the airbox at the front and remove complete assembly, you can then lift the F1 panel up from the front, rotating it upside down as you remove it!
you will now be able to see the uj's, both track rod ends and steering rack for any signs of play.

[Ireland]

They look something like this .....

[Fusion1]

Deffo the U,J's had the same happen on mine, easy fix get the parts from Power about £30 each if I remember, transforms the car. best of luck mate.

[DLCL]

Cheers

Fusion1 said:

Deffo the U,J's had the same happen on mine, easy fix get the parts from Power about £30 each if I remember, transforms the car. best of luck mate.