Steering column wobble

#1

We’re trying to tighten up the steering on our 85 E30. The steering wheel, bearing I guess, is wiggling a little side to side. The culprit seems to be somewhere right behind the center nut near the ignition.

Is there some wear item that someone might point me to replacing? It moves about 1/8" total in all directions parallel with the wheel.

We’re running a de-powered steering rack. I just saw the thread about the broken one.

Thanks!

#2

You’re going to have to pull the dash off and look at the steering column support member that comes out of the firewall. Poke around there and find your excess movement. Here’s a pic from my build thread that shows the steering column support.

#3

If I recall correctly there is a spacer behind or in front of the wheel that should be there.

#4

The dash and steering column are all bare. It’s just metal and wires. Right near those crash bolts, but closer to the wheel is where the play is. It’s a lateral play, not in/out and not twisting. It’s up down left right. I think it’s something with the inner shaft mating up with outer shaft. Is there a bearing or something in there?

Thanks for the comments.

#5

[quote=“Car54” post=67211]The dash and steering column are all bare. It’s just metal and wires. Right near those crash bolts, but closer to the wheel is where the play is. It’s a lateral play, not in/out and not twisting. It’s up down left right. I think it’s something with the inner shaft mating up with outer shaft. Is there a bearing or something in there?

Thanks for the comments.[/quote]
Sorry, I’ve not taken that area apart before.