I just changed upper control arms, and have lowers on the way.. The steering still feels as though it is dead, an inch or 2 either side of center. Ie very little feeling/ a bit loose. Is this related to the steering rack? or other front end components including control arms/ ball joints?

Did this condition exist before the change of control arms?

Did you replace control arms with E31 arms or something else?

Unless you changed something else during the control arm replacement, the only answer for numb steering is the toe is way toed in!

E31 is not a rack but recirculating ball type box.

It did exist before i changed the upper control arms. I changed them a few days ago with meyle e31 arms. Now im waiting for the lowers. If that doesnt correct it, i will look into the toe in issue. Thanks for the help, and info on the steering box, i had forgotten about that.

Hi Ed! Thanks again for the spring pads, Finally got around to changing shocks and adding the pads, The cars sits perfect now, Great product and easy to install!

Cheers,

Check the steering box mounting bolts for tigh and then have someone wiggle the wheel while you are watching the steering linkage for loose parts. Don't forget to check the arm on the bottom of the steering box for play on the shaft coming out of the box.

Interestingly enough, I was seriously contemplating replacing the steering box in my #1 car as the steering was becoming increasingly vague and unresponsive (moreso than usual). Due to excessive inner tire wear on both rear tires I also needed an alignment since I just had new tires installed. The guys at the local Indie shop discovered that the pitman arm that comes off the steering box was loose. As well there was excessive play in the steering column as well. Tightened everything up, made a minor adjustment to the steering box and a four wheel alignment later the steering is tight like new.
I would strongly recommend that we all have the pitman arm inspected and verified as tight. If the arm gets loose enough, you will loose steering completely!

I am doing the intake gaskets, and checking headbolts, tomorrow and the day after. I will look into the steering box mounting bolts, and also into some steering box adjustments. It may be that it needs a serious alignment! One other question while im on suspension and steering.. im getting a whirring or humming in the rear between 10kph and 40kph. I'm assuming its one of the wheel bearings but am not terribly knowledgeable. If it is, does anyone know of a DIY post on the in another forum? I have looked at http://www.bmwtechinfo.com/repair/main/721en/index.htm, but looks like special tools, and isnt as helpful as a DIY.