steering wheel moves slightly up n down

Need technical Q/A then you're in the right place

Moderator: martauto

cro320
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1418
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:00 pm
Location: Split,Croatia

Post Mon Jul 25, 2011 8:31 pm

So I have a problem with my steering wheel...it's a late car with no airbag fitted and I can move my steering up and down a bit...all other E30's I have driven don't have this problem :(
I need to sort this out cause steering moves in my hands over bumps. Is there any guide what to replace or is there anyone who done this before.

Thanks
User avatar
kevo
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1234
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: S.Wales

Post Mon Jul 25, 2011 9:26 pm

could be the bolts holding it up are loose, theres two 13mm nuts iirc under the cowling of the steering column, two minutes to nip up and check.
otherwise if you mean it moves toward you then the 22mm nut behind the sttering wheel centre is loose and is also two mins and extremely important to make sure that ones tight.
kev
cro320
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1418
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:00 pm
Location: Split,Croatia

Post Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:06 pm

kevo wrote:could be the bolts holding it up are loose, theres two 13mm nuts iirc under the cowling of the steering column, two minutes to nip up and check.
otherwise if you mean it moves toward you then the 22mm nut behind the sttering wheel centre is loose and is also two mins and extremely important to make sure that ones tight.
kev
no, it doesn't move toward me...just up and down when I press it with my hand...and makes klak klak noise....
can you locate those bolts on this scheme?
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do ... g=32&fg=30
ali50ferrari
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1444
Joined: Tue May 25, 2010 11:00 pm
Location: Home of the bodybag

Post Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:14 pm

i think hes explainin numbers 21? correct me if im wrong just tryna help
coz if its movin up and down then that looks like it holds it in place if the steering wheel itself is moving then you know the main bolt on that needs tightening up! good luck man
The preacher is pious lord, for he is scared of hell, where as me I sinned freely trusting in your mercy
cecotto479
Caution Unreliable Seller
Caution Unreliable Seller
Posts: 2949
Joined: Sun May 13, 2007 11:00 pm
Location: On a golf course somewhere probably

Post Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:31 pm

Is the steering wheel moving up and down in relation to the column or is the whole steering column moving with the wheel?
1981 E23 735i
1989 E30 325i Motorsport Convertible
Bavarian Retro - Classic BMW Cars, Parts and Accessories - 12.5% discount for forum members on E30 parts - use voucher code "E30zone" at checkout
cro320
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1418
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:00 pm
Location: Split,Croatia

Post Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:35 pm

cecotto479 wrote:Is the steering wheel moving up and down in relation to the column or is the whole steering column moving with the wheel?
whole column
User avatar
kevo
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1234
Joined: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:00 pm
Location: S.Wales

Post Mon Jul 25, 2011 10:37 pm

i would suggest checking bolts 21 as in the diagram first then.
cheers
Kev
m_jermyn
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 4208
Joined: Sat Mar 14, 2009 11:00 pm
Location: Sydney Australia Mate

Post Tue Jul 26, 2011 2:22 am

As the guys say its probably the 13 mm bolts that are loose...

If not its number 15 on the diagram the spacer washer... It can deteriorate and brake, very brittle.

The washer is on both sides and is white in colour, I need to replace mine too as they are busted :D
cro320
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1418
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:00 pm
Location: Split,Croatia

Post Tue Jul 26, 2011 1:08 pm

will check tomorow and report back

Thanks
cro320
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1418
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:00 pm
Location: Split,Croatia

Post Sun Jul 31, 2011 2:30 pm

I found one bolt 10mm which was a little loose, so I tightened it up
no more movement
cro320
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1418
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:00 pm
Location: Split,Croatia

Post Mon Oct 31, 2011 2:00 pm

problem remains :(

still clunks
I found this video on youtube which shows the problem
mrb27
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 345
Joined: Wed Nov 17, 2010 11:00 pm
Location: Essex

Post Mon Oct 31, 2011 6:36 pm

yh on some cars there are 2 plastic bushes (cotton reel bushes) common name for em.. located inside at each end of the column, some are replaceable, others arnt, though ive never had a column off an e30 before so i cant say it its a case of new bushes or a new column :?

Edit:
Image
i would think its the bearing.. 15-10/11-9. would prob be worth getting 5-4 too while your there
cro320
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1418
Joined: Thu Feb 22, 2007 11:00 pm
Location: Split,Croatia

Post Fri Mar 30, 2012 4:04 pm

update

still moving
definately not the upper steering column bearing :cry: