Steering troubles

[Rousey66]

Hello all,

So for the last week or so the front end has felt really loose and disconnected. It's been tramlining quite badly and wandering around. I noticed with the windows down there's a rattle coming from the front left wheel so today I decided to jack up the front and have a look.

There's some horizontal play in the nearside wheel but no vertical. With the wheel off the track rod end looked a bit ropey but all the other joints seemed tight. I happened to have a spare brand new track rod end knocking around so I swapped it over. Unfortunately with the wheel back on there's still horizontal play.

So. Any ideas? Play in the steering rack? Replace the wishbone just to be sure there's no other loose joints?

Any and all help is welcome

[HairyScreech]

When I had this trouble it was the actual end screwed into the rack, there's a ball and socket there, have you checked that one?

[Rousey66]

I'm not sure I know what you mean mate. The threaded socket on the end of the rack that the end screws into?

[HairyScreech]

http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E30-2 ... _tie_rods/

See there's an inner joint and an outer joint there.
If you get an aftermarket rod end then it is just the outer.

[Rousey66]

Right, I see!! That might be it then dude. The inner joint is the bit that's half in, half out the rubber boot then? I'll have to take the boot off and have a look tomorrow!

[Rousey66]

Okay so I've had a look and a feel for those inner ball joints. They rattle and have play in them so I'm going to assume that's what's causing the problems and get them replaced. Cheers for the help mate!