77' steering box has excessive play

garyinwestoz · Post by **garyinwestoz** » Sat Oct 31, 2009 7:27 pm

@ 405,000 kms my steering box has developed excessive play when.

when stationary, the steering wheel can be rotated about 1/8 of a turn to both sides without moving the wheels. All ball joins idler arm bushes etc are okay/

is this a repairable condition, or ought I replace it. (I've got a spare parts car).

It going to be bugger to get it out.!

thanks

77 528i
76 525
81 528
86 525e

parts cars ; 86 525e, 78 528i, 82 735i

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Sun Nov 01, 2009 12:04 pm

I would try adjusting it first, but I'm surprised at the wear, they usually hold up pretty well, your 405Km is only equal to about 250K miles. Regardless, I'd go adjustment first, then swap it out, I started into a box one time and ended up with a bunch of balls. The recirculating balls that is. It was just an exploratory action so I didn't really try too hard, but it didn't look like a friendly part to work on.

garyinwestoz · Post by **garyinwestoz** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 4:01 am

how is it adjusted?

Mike W. · Post by **Mike W.** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 3:15 pm

garyinwestoz wrote:how is it adjusted?

"On top" meaning kind of facing towards you as you look into the engine compartment there is a slotted screw with a nut on it. 17MM nut, IIRC. Tighten that screw. Just a little bit at a time, too much can damage it and or cause the steering to bind. Jack up the front end so the wheels are off the ground to check, then test drive to make sure. Remember, no binding, it will be tightest at center and get looser as you move off center.

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Tue Nov 03, 2009 8:17 pm

If I remember correctly, the nut surrounding the slotted screw should be loosened a little before the screw is adjusted? I could be wrong from my small shadetree. But, doesn't the nut secure the screw in place after the adjustment? So it won't move on it's own? After you feel good about the re-adjustment, meaning the steering wheel shouldn't have any more than 1/4" inch play in it, depending on your own comfort zone. Then the nut is tightened real good while holding the screw in place with your screwdriver so as not to lose your adjustment. At least I think this worked on my '73 '02. Squirt with WD-40 first to loosen things up. Go get a Sam Adams to give it time to work it's way in, then attack. Drive around the block & re-adjust if needed.
I just came from lookin' at my '80's steering box. WOW! I am right. How rare! The nut around the screw needs to blah,,blah,,blah.
Now I'm gonna start braggin'. Only adjust in 1/8" turns 'cause it gets tricky when close to the feel you want. I hope this helps,,,,Greg

D. · Post by D. » Mon Nov 30, 2009 2:54 am

If you're absolutely sure it's not coming from another part in the steering, consider tightening the afore mentioned screw. I imagine a clock face on the screw and record what o'clock the screw is aligned with or pointing at. Then advance the screw one hour on the clock face or LESS. Drive the car. If the steering feels more dead in the middle (going straight ahead), you've tightened it too much. And you do not want to do that. In my experience(with BMWs), it's always been loose wheel bearings or worn out steering parts.

garyinwestoz · Post by **garyinwestoz** » Wed Jan 20, 2010 9:17 pm

well the other day, I had to get under and replace my power steering hose, cause the air conditioner starting wearing a hole in it, and I was loosing fluid. Its been like 43 deg C for the last few days - damn hot.!

Anyway whilst the car was jacked up, I decided to double check all the suspension joints, they all seemed tight, but the wheel still wobbled in my hands, particular when at 12 & 6 o'clock.

The only part I could think of with movement might be the wheel bearing, so I pulled out my Haynes book and read about front wheel bearings pg 206-208 - they are adjustable - hmm read further,; un screw, repack with grease, tighten up screw, torque to 31Nm - I can do that
so I did
hippee movement gone, steering now feels taught/precise again.

now the air con - still too close to the hydraulic hose, looks like I have to move the engine back a 1/2 inch or so - bugger

garyinwestoz · Post by **garyinwestoz** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 2:01 am

Mike W. wrote:
garyinwestoz wrote:how is it adjusted?
"On top" meaning kind of facing towards you as you look into the engine compartment there is a slotted screw with a nut on it. 17MM nut, IIRC. Tighten that screw. Just a little bit at a time, too much can damage it and or cause the steering to bind. Jack up the front end so the wheels are off the ground to check, then test drive to make sure. Remember, no binding, it will be tightest at center and get looser as you move off center.

Just confirming,
would this screw be no 2 of the Hydro steering box

If it is mine looks like its leaking from this location.

garyinwestoz · Post by **garyinwestoz** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 3:20 am

hmm I think I may be wrong with that pic, being a RHD car , I suspected the screw you are referring too is directly under the exhaust manifold, and thus visually obscured!

there it is
HTH do i get to it?

garyinwestoz · Post by **garyinwestoz** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 3:29 am

hmm I think I may be wrong with that pic, being a RHD car , I suspected the screw you are referring too is directly under the exhaust manifold, and thus visually obscured!

there it is
HTH do i get to it?

GripGreg · Post by **GripGreg** » Sat Oct 02, 2010 11:47 am

Hi Gary
The steering adjustment is literally on top of the steering post, staring at you, easily accessible as you stand just behind the front wheel. Please re-read Mike's & Greg's directions before you get in too deep.
Let us know what you find.

Firstfives.org

77' steering box has excessive play

77' steering box has excessive play

Loose steering

worn steering - checked wheel bearings