Steering - Sudden 'give/freeing-up' whilst turning?

[Ednamillion]

Issue is when turning either right or left, after about a quarter turn say, any resistance in the wheel suddenly goes for another few degrees of turn and then comes back to normal again. It almost feels like something rubbery has suddenly given way...Hope I'm explaining this adequately.

Anyhoo, if anyone recognises my description above, could it be related to this?: http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... t=steering and specifically the rubber coupling?

[ryan0143]

Steering Linkage?

The linkage that comes out from the bulkhead and goes to the steering rack, there is a rubber type linkage in there that sometimes gives up check that firstly.

Ive had to replace it on mine.

[zinderz]

Almost guaranteed its the rubber piece described in the linkage, steering guilbo it is sometimes referred as. More prone to fail on cars with manual steering due to the extra forces involved turning at low speeds. If you peer down under the bonnet near the bulkhead while someone moves the steering you will see if there is any play in it.

Aluminium replacements are also available.

[Duke137]

Ally replacement is the way forward with the guibo (the name for the rubber part in the steering linkage).

Its only rubber as anti-vibration but alloy gives your steering a much nicer feel.

[Ednamillion]

Thanks for your replies, guys.

ryan0143, the garage I was proposing to get this seen to by have quoted me for replacement linkeage, coupling and bush (€430 ex VAT fitted...!) so am hoping that the linkeage is not required and that this might be DIY-able...

zinderz/duke137, as I suggested above, is the guibo (#3 in realoem?) replacement doable by a couple of handy-ish mechanics and a lift? And without having to replace the linkage (#1)..?

http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E30/C ... _assembly/

[ryan0143]

You will not need the whole linkage which is what i think they are charging you for, you will only need the rubber guibo.

This is a DIY job to save yourself on the labour.

[daimlerman]

That's the fella!

Note that on OE fit,the coupling is riveted in place.

A kit of bits is available from BMW dealers that includes a new rubber coupling and 4 special shouldered bolts,it is vital for your safety that these bolts are used.

To fit the kit described above,remove the coupling by removing the pinch bolts at the top and bottom,from under the car,remove the r/h rack mounting bolt and slacken the l/h one so that the rack will move away from the column.You now have room to slide the coupling off the rack and column.
Grind or drill the old rivets out and dismantle the coupling.Re-assemble with the new parts and re-fit to the car.

Whole job should take less than an hour,wish I could earn £430 for an hour's work....

[Ednamillion]

Great responses guys.

daimlerman, I think you know what I'm going to ask now....and I suspect it's been asked before...but is there a number for that kit o'bits? Even with the number it's going to be tricky to get it over here in Oirlan'....

[daimlerman]

Great responses guys.

daimlerman, I think you know what I'm going to ask now....and I suspect it's been asked before...but is there a number for that kit o'bits? Even with the number it's going to be tricky to get it over here in Oirlan'....

You can get all the part numbers from the link above,you need;
Part 6-4 off
Part10-8 off
Part 7-4 off
Part3-1 off

[Ednamillion]

Thanks daimlerman.