Steering Coupling

[chief]

Just had a look at the steering coupling on my e30 325i

the coupling itself seems to have plennntttyyy of play in it, and there seems to be a very minor wobble sometimes in my steering wheel
BUT
i'm not sure if it can be tightened or i need a new one. i have attached a couple of pictures if i'm not explaining well.
it looks like there are 2 bolts, 1 near the rack & 1 near the bulk head.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/r ... ing002.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y203/r ... ing001.jpg


anybody else had any bother with this, not heard anything from anyone about this before.

[Chris-W]

Difficult to confirm from the pics, but it does look like it has gone. The rubber doughnut in the middle of the coupling goes. Fairly common problem, but on the bright side your car will feel much better when it's sorted!

I'd suggest a good used one, but then I would because I'd also try to sell you one. You can get re-build gets from BMW, and complete couplings too.

[chief]

thanks chris,

yes its definitely the rubber doughnut where the play is.

[GBE30]

Hi,

Guys what kind of job is the above to change?

I would like to give it a go myself. Any tips pointers etc?

Cheers

Gareth

[Brianmoooore]

Take out the pinch bolts on either end of the coupling, slacken the LH steering rack mounting bolt slightly, and remove the right hand bolt completely.
Swing the right hand side of the rack forwards and remove the coupling. Open up the splines slightly by driving a screwdriver in the 'pinch' gap if either end wont slide off.
If the coupling is original, the rivets will have to be ground out to remove the flexible disc. New disc comes with nuts and bolts instead.
Stick it all back together and check that the steering wheel is on straight.

[GBE30]

Thanks Brian, Is there anything you do not know??

Cheers

Gareth