Steering sloppy but all new bushings

Schalldampfer1 · 07-02-2018, 03:29 PM

Hey everyone. So starting this spring my steering has been slowing getting more sloppy and alignment seemed off. Steering wheel is tilted to the left to stay straight and if I put it in center she will veer to the right. Found out both my rear ball joints were going bad. Replaced both along with an alignment at a BMW dealer. All other bushings were replaced within the last 2 years under my extended warranty (yes they covered the bushings!

Tech says everything is just about in spec except my drivers front camber adjustment can't move to full spec (due to my lowering springs) but is close enough. Control arms, links, tie rods all look to be in good shape, no damage. This still didn't fix the sloppiness or steering alignment. Tried to troubleshoot with him on the lift. He noticed both my front tires were cupping on the inner and outer treads. He says this may be possibly causing the issue since everything else is good or my steering spindle may have an internal issue. Ordering new tires to see if this cures the problem.

Has anyone ever had this issue or similar before? If so, what was the solution? Any advice? Thanks much!!

Dackelone · 07-02-2018, 04:00 PM

Sounds like its time to find a new alignment specialist!! Seriously... your mechanic doesn't have the skill set needed to diagnose your car's issue.

Your suspension has MANY suspension links. Not just two ball joints. Sounds to me like one of your suspension links(arms) is bent. Or maybe your tie rods(inner or outer) or even your steering rack could be worn out. But my gut tells me one of your suspension links is the issue.

Btw... how LOW is your car? How did you lower it? If your car is slammed... you will need new aftermarket(longer) rear toe links... to keep the rear axle in alignment.

First step is go and have a well know alignment shop, check your alignment and tell them whats going on. You will probably have to pay for one or two hour's labor rate to get an estimate of what's damaged/worn.

Good Luck,
Dackel

Schalldampfer1 · 07-02-2018, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Sounds like its time to find a new alignment specialist!! Seriously... your mechanic doesn't have the skill set needed to diagnose your car's issue.

Your suspension has MANY suspension links. Not just two ball joints. Sounds to me like one of your suspension links(arms) is bent. Or maybe your tie rods(inner or outer) or even your steering rack could be worn out. But my gut tells me one of your suspension links is the issue.

Btw... how LOW is your car? How did you lower it? If your car is slammed... you will need new aftermarket(longer) rear toe links... to keep the rear axle in alignment.

First step is go and have a well know alignment shop, check your alignment and tell them whats going on. You will probably have to pay for one or two hour's labor rate to get an estimate of what's damaged/worn.

Good Luck,
Dackel

Hey Dackel, thanks for the reply. I should have added that he did check the links, control arms, tie rods as well and didn't find anything damaged.

I've had the alignment done 3 times prior with two other shops but they didn't find the ball joint issue. Replacing them did correct an issue with my rear end kicking out on hard launches. Originally I thought the kicking out issue caused the steering issue as well. Guess not...

My car is on Cobb springs which is supposed to lower it 1.2" all around according to their site. I believe they are manufactured by Eibach.

02Pilot · 07-02-2018, 04:31 PM

Can you post the latest alignment specs?

Schalldampfer1 · 07-02-2018, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02Pilot

Can you post the latest alignment specs?

I'll have to find it at home later tonight.

HP Autosport · 07-03-2018, 10:32 PM

Too much toe can make the car feel sloppy too.

Post your specs when you have them.

07-02-2018, 03:29 PM	#1
Schalldampfer1 ///Mmmmmmm 71 Rep 172 Posts Drives: e82 135i/6; e36 M3 2/5 Join Date: May 2015 Location: Chicago iTrader: (1) Garage List 1996 BMW M3 [0.00] 2008 BMW 135i [0.00]	Steering sloppy but all new bushings Hey everyone. So starting this spring my steering has been slowing getting more sloppy and alignment seemed off. Steering wheel is tilted to the left to stay straight and if I put it in center she will veer to the right. Found out both my rear ball joints were going bad. Replaced both along with an alignment at a BMW dealer. All other bushings were replaced within the last 2 years under my extended warranty (yes they covered the bushings! Tech says everything is just about in spec except my drivers front camber adjustment can't move to full spec (due to my lowering springs) but is close enough. Control arms, links, tie rods all look to be in good shape, no damage. This still didn't fix the sloppiness or steering alignment. Tried to troubleshoot with him on the lift. He noticed both my front tires were cupping on the inner and outer treads. He says this may be possibly causing the issue since everything else is good or my steering spindle may have an internal issue. Ordering new tires to see if this cures the problem. Has anyone ever had this issue or similar before? If so, what was the solution? Any advice? Thanks much!! __________________ 2008 e82 135i Coupe 6 Speed ///M Sport, Sedona Red over Black 1996 e36 ///M3 Coupe 5 Speed Cosmos Black over Black Last edited by Schalldampfer1; 07-02-2018 at 04:42 PM..
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07-02-2018, 04:00 PM	#2
Dackelone European Editor 10528 Rep 22,992 Posts Drives: N54 e82 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bayern, Germany iTrader: (1)	Sounds like its time to find a new alignment specialist!! Seriously... your mechanic doesn't have the skill set needed to diagnose your car's issue. Your suspension has MANY suspension links. Not just two ball joints. Sounds to me like one of your suspension links(arms) is bent. Or maybe your tie rods(inner or outer) or even your steering rack could be worn out. But my gut tells me one of your suspension links is the issue. Btw... how LOW is your car? How did you lower it? If your car is slammed... you will need new aftermarket(longer) rear toe links... to keep the rear axle in alignment. First step is go and have a well know alignment shop, check your alignment and tell them whats going on. You will probably have to pay for one or two hour's labor rate to get an estimate of what's damaged/worn. Good Luck, Dackel __________________ Dackel's European Delivery Museum Guide
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07-02-2018, 04:31 PM	#4
02Pilot Malcontent 188 Rep 305 Posts Drives: 128i Join Date: Jul 2017 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Can you post the latest alignment specs? __________________ Life's tough. It's tougher when you're stupid. -John Wayne
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07-03-2018, 10:32 PM	#6
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 3815 Rep 54,319 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	Too much toe can make the car feel sloppy too. Post your specs when you have them.
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