BMW E34 steering play and idler arm bushing
E34 steering has play - where does it come from?
Typical causes are a worn idler arm bushing, a loose steering box, tie rod ends and the centre link. Also check the large nut on the steering column and the nut on the pitman arm, which can come loose. It is best to replace the parts all at once.
Can play in the E34 idler arm or steering box be tightened out?
Some of the play in the part can be taken out by tightening, but only up to a certain limit. Overtightening ruins the part and leaves the steering wheel sticky in returning. If the play does not go away, the fault is usually in the idler arm bushing, and it is replaced. On the V8 the adjustment is cramped, so the steering box is removed.
How do I replace and choose an idler arm bushing?
Replacing it needs a ball joint puller, and a press makes the job easier. An aftermarket bushing can be faulty even when new, with the inner and outer rings out of line. The Lemförder bushing has proved decent. After the replacement, the height of the steering arm is adjusted so that the car tracks straight.
What symptoms does a faulty idler arm bushing cause?
The car wanders at highway speeds, the steering feels vague, and the tyres wear unevenly. A stuck bushing can prevent the steering from returning properly. Replacing the bushing removed the wandering after replacing the subframe and reaction rod bushings had not helped.