<E34> steering box failure?

["Sanders, Ron" <rls5@xxxxxxx>]

On Thu, 24 Sep 1998,  Bob Hazelwood wrote:

It appears the steering box on my '93 525i is too far gone for
adjustment. At least that's what my mechanic says. Symptoms are: with
one hand on the shaft into the box and one hand on pitman arm there is
noticable play before there is any reaction from the box. You can wiggle
the shaft about 3-4 degrees before any hard resistance is met with the
wheel centered. Adjustment seems to increase the friction, but does not
reduce the play. Does this sound like real steering box failure to you
folks? The other E34 bushing gremlins have already been exorcised.

I'm now considering options and need some help / advice.

1. Are these rebuildable, or is replacement the only option?
2. How much should one of these things really cost? (Mechanic quoted
"about $1100" but admitted he was guessing. I was not amused.)
3. Do all E34's use the same box, or is there a quicker-ratio box
available ?
4. Anybody got a deal on a good used or rebuilt box?

Thanks in advance for any assistance,

Bob Hazelwood
'93 525i 5-sp. Sharked, K&N, H&R + Bilstein
BMW CCA #155184 (Boston)

Reply:  Have you tightened that nut/collar on the steering wheel shaft above
the brake pedal?  It seems that the steering on E34 5ers loosens up and
begins to wander over time, but BMW provided an easy DIY adjustment.  You
have to remove the under-dash cover to access the shaft.  Unless you have
some humongo box-end wrenches you may have to use a pipe wrench to tighten
the 20mm? nut.   This worked great on my 92 525i.

On another note, I'm researching spring/shock options for my 525.  Can you,
and others on the list with experience, comment on the H&R spring/ Bilstein
setup you have?  How much do the H&Rs lower the car?  Are the Bilteins sport
or HD and what effect has it had on the ride and handling?  

Ron Sanders
93 325is
92 525i
Email: RLS5@domain.elided		

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