Steering coupling/guibo, replacing rubber with solid item?

Post Mon Apr 16, 2012 1:42 pm

Hi folks. Replacing the rubber coupling in my steering is the latest job I need to do on my car to hopefully cure loose steering feel.

I have been reading loads about symptoms, how to replace it etc but I have also read a bit about replacing it with a solid item.

1. Does anyone make and supply them on here?
2. What would I gain/sacrifice by using a solid coupling?
3. My car is a cab and I don't drive it that hard, what would you do?

All advice and experience welcome and appreciated.

Post Mon Apr 16, 2012 2:38 pm

If it's a daily driver and you don't drive it hard, then it may just be worth replacing the guibo with an OEM new one. The reason i say this is that replacing the guibo with a solid metal item, leads to increased steering feel over bumps and stones etc. on the road which may be undesirable to some who own an e30 as a relaxed car.

There are also other options of replacing this guibo with a SOLID rubber one from a different type of BMW.

Personally, i replaced mine with a solid metal guibo and i have no complaints. The increased feel from the steering is probably negligable, but just thought that i'd mention it as others may feel it more than some.

Post Mon Apr 16, 2012 2:55 pm

Redcar, thanks. Well I think I want to go down the relaxed driving route so will just stick to oem I reckon.

Post Mon Apr 16, 2012 3:00 pm

It would make sense to. However it's hard to put into words or even put a value on the effects. The solid guibo does give a more direct feel than a 20 year old guibo. But i'd imagine a tight, fresh, new OEM guibo will be perfect and the differences would be much less severe compared to the new guibo vs solid metal guibo rather than old guibo vs solid metal guibo.

Post Tue Apr 17, 2012 2:52 am

There are also poly versions available in a poly that is only a bit harder than the normal rubber, possibly a very good option to tighten things up a bit without going all out.

As said above a solid coupling may well give too much buzz through the steering.

Post Tue Apr 17, 2012 12:37 pm

I fitted a solid coupling to mine when I changed to a Z3 rack. It gives great feel on the twisty stuff but on a motorway run the buzz through the steering column will give you white finger if you do a lot of miles.

Post Tue Apr 17, 2012 6:15 pm

Great info, thanks for that. That is the decider. Oem for me.