Weird Steering problem. - United Bimmer Community

**Numark318i** · 05-10-2006, 01:26 AM

So all the ridiculously hard drivign my dad and I have put the 330 through seems to be catching up with us. For some reason the steering is "loose". I guess my best explanation is that it feels like a tire is off the gournd every once in a while and the car pulls randomly. I checked the bushings they are all fine in the front.

For example if im slowing down for a stop light and hit a slight bump in the road the car will pull in that direction. Then it pulls the other way if i hit a bump on teh other side.

Or if im on the freeway and i hit a slight road level change it pulls a little in the direction of the hole. Ive personally checked the bushings. Had someone else check them. Nothing wrong. Could this be a tie rod issue? Steering rack?

Anyone had anythign similar happen to them?

**c1apton** · 05-10-2006, 05:24 AM

It almost sounds like stabilizer links (to front sway bar) are worn out. Is there any "clunking noise" when you hit a bump? I know the stab. links sound like a weird solution but have heard of it. Tie rods possible.,, Also another possibility is belt slipping over P/S pump just a few things to look at. How many miles on it & what year?

**Numark318i** · 05-10-2006, 12:53 PM

2001 with 80k.

Ill put it up on jacks and check all the sway bar compnents.
thnx. didnt think of that.

**Numark318i** · 05-19-2006, 10:21 AM

Resolved.

The problem was a horrible rear tire alignment. The front was off...but compared to the rear..it was perfect.

I guess rear alignment makes a big difference.

Anyways thnx for the advice C1apton. I did check all the suspension conponents, everything seemed to check out so we got new front rubber and got 4 wheel alignment.

Drives like it did before.

**ayrton94senna** · 04-24-2007, 07:57 AM

I have the same problem. Ichecked the bushings, sway bar and stabilizers link and i have aligned my wheels but still i am facing the same problem. Any Body knows how to solve the problem

**Numark318i** · 04-24-2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayrton94senna

I have the same problem. Ichecked the bushings, sway bar and stabilizers link and i have aligned my wheels but still i am facing the same problem. Any Body knows how to solve the problem

ok so my original problem on the E46 was bent rims. By doing the alignment they just put the toe in and it fixed the problem till it unaligned itself again because of the bent rims. or so i am told.
So i am changing my wheels in the next few weeks. I will tell you if it fixes my problem.

also, like i stated in your thread my 318 had similar symptoms caused by my steering rack. Or atleast swapping out my racka nd tie rods seemed to fix the problem. except i had no pull while braking. so im not entirely sure.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 04-24-2007, 07:33 PM

I was just going to say alignment. That will solve your problem, but you beat me to it. See it ocassionaly.