Wondering if wandering is ok, suspension issues

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ccaallvviinn
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Post Sat May 07, 2016 7:10 am

On the 70 mile drive back from picking up my newly acquired 325 baur, I noticed the steering feels a little vague, and the car wanders across the road following imperfections etc, it's not a lot, but it's definitely there, also small sharp bumps set up a vibration that stops pretty quick, but is there.

Is this normal?

Thanks

Steve[/list]
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Brianmoooore
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Post Sat May 07, 2016 10:03 am

Check the toe of the front suspension with a length of string around the car. Should be 1mm - 2mm of toe in.
I suspect you will find toe out.
I've assumed it doesn't have silly oversized wheels on it.
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Carmo13
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Post Sat May 07, 2016 2:23 pm

It sounds like worn track rod ends to me.
Jack the front up and pull the wheel back and forwards from different points around the wheel. If the track rod end is badly worn, you should be able to feel / hear it.
They are cheap and easy to replace.
A well maintained E30 is a joy to drive so this certainly isn't "normal".
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aimlessrock
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Post Sat May 07, 2016 8:37 pm

Could the back end also be playing a part in this?... Shagged sub frame brushes could be contributing to the wandering.
E30 320i Convertible (1989)
190 Mercedes (1988)

"there is nothing more expensive than a cheap E30"
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ChrisHC
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Post Sat May 07, 2016 9:03 pm

"the car wanders across the road following imperfections etc,"

My old E36 tramlined very badly, which turned out to be the tyres deteriorating internally, although there was still adequate tread left.
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ccaallvviinn
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Post Sun May 08, 2016 7:30 am

Thank you very much for that, off to the garage she goes.....
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Brianmoooore
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Post Sun May 08, 2016 1:13 pm

ccaallvviinn wrote:Thank you very much for that, off to the garage she goes.....
Get your hands dirty!
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Carmo13
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Post Sun May 08, 2016 1:19 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:
ccaallvviinn wrote:Thank you very much for that, off to the garage she goes.....
Get your hands dirty!
+1
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ccaallvviinn
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Post Sun May 08, 2016 9:47 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:
ccaallvviinn wrote:Thank you very much for that, off to the garage she goes.....
Get your hands dirty!
Very unlikely that me wielding a spanner at it would yield an improvent!
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Brianmoooore
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Post Sun May 08, 2016 10:35 pm

All have to start somewhere, and there's nowhere better than an E30, especially with the guidance available on here.
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andysheep
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Post Sun May 08, 2016 10:38 pm

Dont know till ya try,im a chef,learnt to weld ,panel beat and paint in 5 yearish,bloody love it,cant wait to engine build and thd elecy stuff.very handy at the side off the road,
Become one with your e30 :D