Play in steering, but no "twitch" when braking

[brian75x]

'04 ZHP 77K mi

My steering wheel feels like there is a little bit of play/slop at moderate to highway speeds. It just isn't as tight as it used to be. Maybe 4 to 5 degrees of slop. I don't notice the slop nearly as much as slow speed, but that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

There is no infamous "twitch" in the steering wheel upon tapping the brakes. I had that before and had the CAB's replaced 30K ago (seems like yesterday).

I was planning to have the CAB's replaced again (attempting myself this time), but i don't want to waste time/money if the steering play issue indicates something else. Or should I do CAB's AND something else?

P.S. Any Recommendations where to purchase parts online? Seems like there are tons of places. Maybe you guys weeded out the bad ones and can narrow my search a little bit?

[az3579]

Worn tie rods can cause play in the steering.


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[zj96sc]

when was the last time you got an alignment?

[danewilson77]

Steering guibo?

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[alexandre]

+1 on guibo!

[brian75x]

It's been a while since an alignment, but tires seem to be wearing evenly.

Looked up guibo and Google directed me to giubo which is pronounced jew-bo. (learn something new every day, eh)

Anyway, the jew-bo would explain the symptoms, but on a steering system it seems like it should be a lifetime part. Is it common for them to wear out? I'll certainly look into it before wasting time on CABs. Although I might do them anyway.


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[danewilson77]

I've seen some replaced that looked like ass. I believe JP replaced his with a quality unit.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Hermes]

In fact I did, but that was on the 2002. Unfortunately this specific part does not fit any chassis after E34. I'm sure somebody makes a urethane steering coupler for E46's.

http://www.iemotorsport.com/mm5/graphics/00000002/steercoupler.jpg

EDIT: here you go

http://www.akgmotorsport.com/catalog/images/FX3646Dlg.jpg

AKG Motorsport Flex Shaft Coupling

third item on the page, #FX3646D, $50.00
http://www.akgmotorsport.com/catalog/catalog.php?category=e46%20Miscellaneous%20Items

[danewilson77]

In fact I did, but that was on the 2002. Unfortunately this specific part does not fit any chassis after E34. I'm sure somebody makes a urethane steering coupler for E46's.

http://www.iemotorsport.com/mm5/graphics/00000002/steercoupler.jpg

EDIT: here you go

http://www.akgmotorsport.com/catalog/images/FX3646Dlg.jpg

AKG Motorsport Flex Shaft Coupling

third item on the page, #FX3646D, $50.00
http://www.akgmotorsport.com/catalog/catalog.php?category=e46%20Miscellaneous%20Items

Ahhh....lmao. I knew you did it. Wrong platform though. Thanks JP.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Hermes]

^ no worries.

Be advised, it's relatively easy to work on the 2002 and that project was a huge PITA. I don't even want to think about doing that on the E46 without major parts removed from my engine bay (intake, throttle body, DISA, intake manifold, etc...). I would just say skip that or pay somebody to do it for you.

[danewilson77]

^ no worries.

Be advised, it's relatively easy to work on the 2002 and that project was a huge PITA. I don't even want to think about doing that on the E46 without major parts removed from my engine bay (intake, throttle body, DISA, intake manifold, etc...). I would just say skip that or pay somebody to do it for you.

Naaa man. I think the diy is no worse than vanos for sure.

Sent from Williamsburg, VA USA

[Hermes]

it's not an issue of steps, it's an issue of getting your hands in there and taking off bolts/putting back on. I'll take a look later but off the top of my head I think it's prob annoying to do

[Hermes]

to conclude my thought on this old thread, I'm not dealing with changing mine any time soon.

lets play find the guibo:

http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c288/jhermes/zhp%20projects/8EABA7EC-0B96-4420-84EA-B749AD244E38-4837-000005132D7D8E7C.jpg

FYI, there should be an alternator sitting in the empty spot where those wires go. The hose in the top right (foreground) is from the power steering reservoir.

[murph]

definitely easier to work the guibo from underneath, I think it ended up taking me about 30 minutes, not really that big a deal, but you do need the right socket, and having some flexibility in extension length or a flex join probably helps. (and small wimpy arms like mine)

[Lespaulman16]

Nothing to it from a DIY standpoint. You've got this


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[Dave1027]

BTW, I got my ZHP back on the road yesterday. The hammered guibo took all the play out of my steering. It's nice driving with firm feel and no slack.

[danewilson77]

BTW, I got my ZHP back on the road yesterday. The hammered guibo took all the play out of my steering. It's nice driving with firm feel and no slack.

Good news.

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