[cconlon4]

Hey guys,

Took my car out last night on the San Jose mountain roads racing. I've always noticed a bit of steering wheel looseness when taking a curved freeway connecting ramp (going fast), but really noticed it a lot last night when taking sharp turns. Basically it would hold the turn but the steering would lose its weighted feel and you could almost bounce the steering wheel back and fourth 1/2" mid turn. Any idea what this may be and how can I fix it? Is it the tie rods? I don't have upgraded sway bars (yet) but that's related to body roll and this is related to steering wheel play.

[feuer]

I would say tire choice and alignment are things you need to look into.

[cconlon4]

Originally Posted by feuer

I would say tire choice and alignment are things you need to look into.

Alignment is straight so I'm not sure if that's the factor. Possibly tires since they are at 6/32 but wouldn't it be more suspension/steering related? I just can't pinpoint it

[feuer]

Originally Posted by cconlon4

Alignment is straight so I'm not sure if that's the factor. Possibly tires since they are at 6/32 but wouldn't it be more suspension/steering related? I just can't pinpoint it

Straight? You mean with in factory specs, correct? If so we know that from factory these cars are setup to under-steer which will introduce "lighter" steering feel do to lack of mechanical grip when going in turns to hot.
Basically, you turn the steering wheel, the wheels turn but do not steer the car.
With that said more aggressive alignment and stickier tires might alleviate the issue.

[cconlon4]

Originally Posted by feuer

Straight? You mean with in factory specs, correct? If so we know that from factory these cars are setup to under-steer which will introduce "lighter" steering feel do to lack of mechanical grip when going in turns to hot.
Basically, you turn the steering wheel, the wheels turn but do not steer the car.
With that said more aggressive alignment and stickier tires might alleviate the issue.

Yes that is what I mean. When I say straight I mean it's not pulling going straight down the road. But yea that makes sense, but is there any other way besides tires/alignment to mechanically stiffen the steering while in tight fast corners? I'm not going to do an angle kit quite yet haha.

[feuer]

Originally Posted by cconlon4

Yes that is what I mean. When I say straight I mean it's not pulling going straight down the road. But yea that makes sense, but is there any other way besides tires/alignment to mechanically stiffen the steering while in tight fast corners? I'm not going to do an angle kit quite yet haha.

Anything else other than "angle kit" as you call it would be more costly. You can remove the centering pins from the struct mounts. Is fee and will give you more negative camber when you push the strut mounts all the way in toward the engine bay. Mechanical grip is mostly dependent on tires and suspension. So stickier tires, lower and stiffer springs, better dampers, firmer swaybars, aggressive alignment. Steering response will be improved with toe-out so more toe out on the front. Rear toe in will yield more stability entering corners so more toe in on the rear. I run Zero rear toe but only for better tire wear. Also aerodynamic pressure do add to the grip with front and rear spoilers. Start with the centering pins on the strut mounts...

[F82Tazmanian]

Originally Posted by cconlon4

Hey guys,

Took my car out last night on the San Jose mountain roads racing. I've always noticed a bit of steering wheel looseness when taking a curved freeway connecting ramp (going fast), but really noticed it a lot last night when taking sharp turns. Basically it would hold the turn but the steering would lose its weighted feel and you could almost bounce the steering wheel back and fourth 1/2" mid turn. Any idea what this may be and how can I fix it? Is it the tie rods? I don't have upgraded sway bars (yet) but that's related to body roll and this is related to steering wheel play.

You ever figure this out? Ever since I got my 335is, it never felt as "tight" as my old one. New suspension, control arms, sway bars, tires. Much more precise, but still a weird play on bumps. I'm thinking steering shaft/u-joint related. My 3rd e90/e92, something isn't right.

[Varjo]

Originally Posted by n54335imeth

You ever figure this out? Ever since I got my 335is, it never felt as "tight" as my old one. New suspension, control arms, sway bars, tires. Much more precise, but still a weird play on bumps. I'm thinking steering shaft/u-joint related. My 3rd e90/e92, something isn't right.

I would love a followup on this. I've been having similar issues and alignment doesn't resolve them. Checked suspension components, they seem good as well.

[Blown95ImpalaSS]

any news on this guys? I found a great reply on lower steering shaft e12 bolt that may help some of you:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...9&postcount=28

unfortunately it did not fix my issue. So far i've done

new oem rack
m3 control arms and wishbones
struts
strut mounts
etc etc.

still have a solid 3/8 inch play in the steering wheel at a dead stop. my car doesn't feel as connected as other 1/3 series so I know something's up...

[Blown95ImpalaSS]

to close the loop ...fixed the issue...one of the oem tie rods was factured which allowed it to bend under stress. tough to find because the crack was barely noticeably when stationary and rubber ends looked fine...car is finally aligned and solid once again