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Author Topic: Steering Clunk..???  (Read 11957 times)

318idol

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Steering Clunk..???
« 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
« Last Edit: January 17, 2009, 12:06:50 PM by 318idol »
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KenC

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #1 on: January 17, 2009, 09:34:48 PM »
Tighten the big nut under the dash more.
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wrcarter

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2009, 06:35:08 AM »
?????
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ak96ss

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #3 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.
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John in MD
uh, it's a '91 318is, like everyone else...

wrcarter

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #4 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?
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ak96ss

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #5 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.
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John in MD
uh, it's a '91 318is, like everyone else...

318idol

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #6 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.
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txleadfoot

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #7 on: January 20, 2009, 08:51:06 AM »
Do you torque this nut while the steering wheel is locked?
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AcSchnitzer318is

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #8 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.
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318idol

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #9 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!
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wrcarter

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« Reply #10 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
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genna

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« Reply #11 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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« Last Edit: February 17, 2011, 12:53:16 AM by genna »
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ak96ss

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #12 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.
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John in MD
uh, it's a '91 318is, like everyone else...

gearheadE30

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #13 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.
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genna

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Steering Clunk..???
« Reply #14 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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« Last Edit: February 17, 2011, 12:53:31 AM by genna »
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