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DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: 318idol on January 17, 2009, 11:42:18 AM

Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: 318idol on January 17, 2009, 11:42:18 AM: Hi, all...

Got a 1991 318i. I have small, but nagging "clunk" that is heard under the dash, seemingly part of the steering. If I wiggle the steering back and forth about a inch quickly, I get a clunk, clunk, clunk. It also clunks if you drive the car over small, sharp road irregularities, like a shallow pot hole, at slow speeds (under 20 mph).

I have replaced the steering coupler to the rack and tightened the big nut on lower section of the steering column that affixes the telescoping inner column.

What else could it be? Would a ball joint, tie rod make that sound? The steering still feels tight. All CAB and ball joints, strut bearings, and bushings are new.

I'm flummoxed!

Any ideas would be helpful. Thanks, Gary
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: KenC on January 17, 2009, 09:34:48 PM: Tighten the big nut under the dash more.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: wrcarter on January 19, 2009, 06:35:08 AM: ?????
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: ak96ss on January 19, 2009, 07:41:23 AM: Yes, I would definitely try tightening that nut on the column more, I had the same issues and that's what it was. FWIW.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: wrcarter on January 19, 2009, 12:58:21 PM: Sorry to Hijack, but i have the same problem and wondering what nut you mean. Is it in the car or the engine bay?
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: ak96ss on January 19, 2009, 01:15:05 PM: In the passenger compartment, on the steering column right before the column enters the firewall, is a large brass-colored nut. It comes loose after a gajillion miles and needs to be tightened.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: 318idol on January 19, 2009, 10:21:13 PM: It worked! Tightening the nut, I mean. It felt tight, but I torqued that puppy way beyond what I thought I could. If it feels tight, it isn't. Torque on it until you pass out. That'll be about right.

It's really weird how the column flexes just enough to rattle unless the nut is extremely tight. A completely non-intuitive solution. Typical BMW. :))

Thanks for the encouragement, Ken.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: txleadfoot on January 20, 2009, 08:51:06 AM: Do you torque this nut while the steering wheel is locked?
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: AcSchnitzer318is on January 21, 2009, 09:28:01 PM: Wow, I would have thought CAB's were shot. That was what happened to mine. Glad you got it figured out and now I know to go check that nut under the driver's column.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: 318idol on January 21, 2009, 10:48:23 PM: Yes, have the column locked -- otherwise you'll never hold it tight enough.

I knew something was up, because the clunk continued after I replaced all front end bushings, sway-bar end links (another possible cause) and CABs and CAs. There was nothing else left to check. I even replaced the steering to rack U-joint, thinking that was it. It is really bizarre, because you can't see it clunk -- even when staring at the column. Just tighten it as much as you can.

You only need to remove the cardboard under-dash cover that goes around the pedals. The knee bolster can remain in place.

Good luck!
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: wrcarter on January 22, 2009, 03:48:40 AM: Quote from: ak96ss;64978
In the passenger compartment, on the steering column right before the column enters the firewall, is a large brass-colored nut. It comes loose after a gajillion miles and needs to be tightened.

Thanks
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: genna on February 01, 2009, 02:32:00 AM: Sorry is anyone able to post a pic or give abit more specific detail of where this big bolt is I have removed the underdash panel but I cant see any big bolt. Do I need to remove the carpet as well? thanks in advance
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Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: ak96ss on February 01, 2009, 05:43:45 AM: Not a big bolt, a big nut on the steering column itself, a few inches up from the firewall.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: gearheadE30 on February 01, 2009, 08:02:49 AM: I'd recommend having someone hold the wheel instead of using the steering lock. A friend with a '91 325i broke the lock on his doing this.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: genna on February 01, 2009, 08:25:09 PM: Still cant see it ill post a picture of my steering column when I get home from work and perhaps someone can point it out. Im starting to think that r/h drive models maybe different or maybe Im just blind
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Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: genna on February 02, 2009, 01:02:03 AM: Sorry to be a pain guys but I am unable to upload a photo of the steering column and am still unable to find the big nut if anyone can post a pic of it that would be great everytime Ive tried its failed.
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Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: txleadfoot on February 02, 2009, 09:37:16 AM: I fixed my clunk last night. Attach a large crescent wrench to the big nut and prop the other end of the wrench on the dead pedal. Unlock the ignition and turn the steering wheel clockwise. I thought for sure it was as tight as possible before, but apparently didn't have enough arm strength while trying to be a contortionist in the floorboard.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: 318isfolife on February 02, 2009, 03:29:34 PM: i have this "clunk" but mine is intermittent and when i turn left while driving its like the steering wheel binds up real tight then it gets really easy again (very scary while driving). i had the other kid i work with really crank on the nut while i held a pry bar in the steering wheel and against the floor it moved about a mm. this kid is strong like put a honda 4 cyl transmission in with your hands strong. (have seen him do it). so i'm pretty sure its not the nut. the power steering belt is brand new but the rack and pump are original.
also there is no way it is my tie rod end or ball joints sooo.... if anyone has any ideas on what this might be please HELP ME!!!!
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: ak96ss on February 02, 2009, 04:22:51 PM: Check your wheel bearings.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: genna on February 03, 2009, 02:21:58 AM: heres a pick of my steering column can someone please point out were the big nut is its making me crazy

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Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: genna on February 03, 2009, 02:22:58 AM: (http://i147.photobucket.com/albums/r293/genb_photos/IMG_0272.jpg)
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Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: ak96ss on February 03, 2009, 06:04:49 AM: Is that a cover on the column?

I'm away from my car until Sunday, or I'd post a pic of mine, but it should be right around where the circle is.

(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_GVjhH8d20fE/SYgxfEr3V3I/AAAAAAAAF3A/8Wm3HlQ0n5Q/s800/IMG_0272.jpg)
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: genna on February 03, 2009, 07:19:56 AM: yeah its got a cover it thats why I was so curious about where it was
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Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: keflaman on February 03, 2009, 08:54:06 AM: Quote from: genna;65845
yeah its got a cover it thats why I was so curious about where it was

Mine looks exactly like yours and I couldn't find anything in the Bentley or BMW Fans to provide an answer. My car's non-airbag, LHD, ECE. Wonder if the airbag makes the difference?
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: txleadfoot on February 03, 2009, 12:54:45 PM: Gary, is this a RHD E36?
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: 318isfolife on February 03, 2009, 03:16:55 PM: i don't think its the wheel bearings there is no play or noise. i think its in my rack or something or maybe my pump just was wondering if anyone has ever had this problem.
Title: Great idea, using the wheel...
Post by: 318idol on February 23, 2009, 07:55:09 PM: ...the tighten the nut by trapping the wrench in place. Duh...

There's not much room under there. Try modifying the column hole and re-installing the rubber boot after swapping in an e36 rack. Contortionist isn't a strong enough word for the misery. :)

Gary
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: gearheadE30 on February 23, 2009, 09:29:24 PM: Airbag and non-airbag does make a difference. They use different columns. Only the airbag ones in the E30 are specifically known for making this noise, although I guess E36s could too.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: Ipaman on January 15, 2011, 04:56:24 PM: I just wanted to thank everyone in this thread for the info. I had a bad steering wheel clunk on my air bag equipped E30. Tightened up the nut and its good to go!
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: Billyfeet on August 19, 2012, 02:58:30 PM: My 1991 318ic has the thunk/clunk. I read this whole thread but still don't understand what nut to tighten. I will pull my car apart to look myself but it would be nice to see a pic of exactly what I'm looking for.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: doitover on August 19, 2012, 08:56:46 PM: I believe it is item 2 on this realoem diagram.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=AF93&mospid=47305&btnr=32_0448&hg=32&fg=30

I don't think you can miss it, it is a huge nut at the end of the upper shaft.
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: Billyfeet on August 19, 2012, 11:18:12 PM: Very nice diagram. Thanks!
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: keflaman on August 20, 2012, 06:37:40 AM: The circles indicate the subject nut.

BMWfans.info:
(http://m42club.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=69&pictureid=1299)

From an 1989, non-airbag, LHD, US spec car I was stripping:
(http://m42club.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=69&pictureid=1300)
Title: Steering Clunk..???
Post by: diamonddonbmw on February 24, 2013, 04:55:26 PM: Yay!! Thank you all for contributing to this question. My '91 318is has been rattling like crazy. After all this info, I was able to take time today and get the nut tight. Drove it and no rattle any more.