M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS

DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: longms on November 29, 2009, 08:31:36 PM

Title: Steering Wheel adjustment
Post by: longms on November 29, 2009, 08:31:36 PM

We got the M42 back on the road but the steering wheel is a little misaligned. Not sure how to fix this but here is what I am talking about.

This is what the steering wheel looks like when the tires are straight.

(http://i372.photobucket.com/albums/oo163/mslong27/PB290162.jpg)

I searched quickly and could not find anything on the first page. Thanks

Title: Steering Wheel adjustment
Post by: dwtaylorpdx on November 29, 2009, 10:00:41 PM

The wheel is centered with the Toe-adjustment. You need to lengthen the left and shorten the right by the same amount.

Or pay to have an alignment done and they should center the wheel.
If they don't do this as a matter of normal work, FIND ANOTHER SHOP!

Dave

Title: Steering Wheel adjustment
Post by: ak96ss on November 30, 2009, 07:50:49 AM

Alternatively - did you have the steering wheel off at any point? Are you sure you got it back on straight if you did?

Title: Steering Wheel adjustment
Post by: longms on November 30, 2009, 10:56:03 AM

Steering wheel never came off...toe needs to be aligned i guess.

What is a good streetable toe setting? I have heard -1/16 on either side giving a total -1/8 between both sides.

Title: Steering Wheel adjustment
Post by: 1991 E30 M42 on November 30, 2009, 11:21:43 AM

Factory settings are fine, but ask the mechanic if you can sit in the car while he is aligning the car.

Title: Steering Wheel adjustment
Post by: longms on November 30, 2009, 07:46:57 PM

will the fact that I have every bushing replaced with stiffer ones, very stiff sway bars and hr sport/billie setup make a difference in how I should set the toe???

Title: Steering Wheel adjustment
Post by: Choking Hazard on December 10, 2009, 07:42:44 PM

I just reduced the toe-in to about 1/2 the recommended settings.  I THINK i like it.  Its more eager to turn, uh, even when you are going straight.  Just kidding.  Maybe.

Title: Steering Wheel adjustment
Post by: longms on December 11, 2009, 11:17:03 AM

so you set it to about -1/4 on either side????

Title: Steering Wheel adjustment
Post by: Uglybob on December 12, 2009, 06:16:08 PM

I would go factory settings. I'm running nearly an identical setup suspension wise as you are. I fiddled with it a bit and I'm not super thrilled with "more eager" to turn. Specially when my wife drives it. Makes lane changes at 70-80mph a bit sketchy. Keep it relatively factory and it'll treat you much better and feel considerably more stable for street use.