Page 1 of 1

jerky steering over bad roads..normal or what?

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:00 pm
by cro320
I already asked similar question here but still searching for a solution or maybe just live with that.
Actually it drives me mad because the e46 (my bussines car) feels so ''quiet'' on steering.

So basicaly this is the problem...
driving over small bumps,potholes,tarmac or any bad surface makes the steering ''jerk'' in my hands, it's like shaking and vibration throuht...pretty annoying
I refreshed whole suspension, all rubber brand new, new shocks,new tires, bbs wheels are slightly buckled but will order new wheels in next couple of months...
Car is properly aligned, wheels balanced, steering shows no free play...

What else should I check?
:wink:

Re: jerky steering over bad roads..normal or what?

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 8:19 pm
by kilrone
what steering rack have you got fitted and what wheel and tire sizes are you running

Re: jerky steering over bad roads..normal or what?

Posted: Mon Aug 09, 2010 9:05 pm
by cro320
kilrone wrote:what steering rack have you got fitted and what wheel and tire sizes are you running
steering rack is power assisted in good working order, wheels are BBS style 5 original with 205/50/15 Rainsport 2 tyres

Re: jerky steering over bad roads..normal or what?

Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 11:35 am
by pnd
wobble through the steering despite no obvious faults in suspension / braking components seems a common and tricky to sort problem on e30's these days. I suppose the next suggestion is the rack /steering guibo and then possibly front wheel bearings but I am far from convinced that will sort it. experts needed here and thin on the ground. also consider on car wheel balancing.

Re: jerky steering over bad roads..normal or what?

Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 1:38 pm
by octanejunkie
Bump steer as its called is not uncommon. Is the car lowered or on non standard suspension?

Re: jerky steering over bad roads..normal or what?

Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 5:29 pm
by kilrone
im running 18 inch wheels with 215/35 tires, suspension is lowered by 40mm and im running a e36power assist rack with solid guibo ride is firm and i feel every ripple through the steering i reckon if i ran over a blasted coin i might feel it,however a relatively standard setup should not feel at all bad

Re: jerky steering over bad roads..normal or what?

Posted: Tue Aug 10, 2010 6:04 pm
by cro320
octanejunkie wrote:Bump steer as its called is not uncommon. Is the car lowered or on non standard suspension?
I doubt this is bump steer cause car is original M suspension, no aftermarket springs.
Also I am little tired of changing parts that are not worn out just to discover where is the problem.

Re: jerky steering over bad roads..normal or what?

Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 10:38 am
by pnd
sounds more like vibration through the steering that is merely aggravated by poor roads Try getting the wheels balanced on the car.

Re: jerky steering over bad roads..normal or what?

Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 11:14 am
by aj_mckay
How are the ball joints in the wishbones and the wishbone rear bushes (lollipop bushes)? Did you replace those when you refreshed the suspension? How about the steering rack tie rods, are they in good condition?

Re: jerky steering over bad roads..normal or what?

Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 12:25 pm
by DJL1987
I used to get small vibration through the wheels, when I went to get wheels balanced, one of my alloys was buckled and that was the cause. Maybe it's just the fact that your wheels are buckled?

Re: jerky steering over bad roads..normal or what?

Posted: Wed Aug 11, 2010 7:11 pm
by cro320
aj_mckay wrote:How are the ball joints in the wishbones and the wishbone rear bushes (lollipop bushes)? Did you replace those when you refreshed the suspension? How about the steering rack tie rods, are they in good condition?
I replaced everything including those