e36 Steering Troubleshooting--Could use your opinion

[e36proj]

First time posting in these forums but this is definitely not my first time coming here for relaible auto advice on my e36.

I recently replaced the control arms, CABs and hub assemblies on my e36 after the steering became very shaky while turning to the right at high speed (b/w 60-75mph), and after noticing that a constant hum and vibration were coming from the front end at all speeds. New hubs fixed the hum and vibration (the old hubs literally crumbled apart when I went to remove them) and the new arms have solved my violent shaky steering at high speeds...

But I get the feeling more and more that with these 14+ yo cars, the solution of one problem almost always leads to a new problem.

After getting back in the car following all of those replacements I notice that my steering is disturbingly loose. When reversing down the driveway for the first time I felt like I was steering a fork lift or a hand truck; the front end seemed to throw the steering without any friction, and at the end of my driveway the car sort of "fell" into full lock with hardly any input from my hands.

On the road the steering is no better off, and I feel like theres a certain amount of "tram-lining" going on. When I hit bumps and ruts the steering wheel jerks like it's transmitting 100% feedback from the road. Also, going around exit ramps at speed causes tire screech (which might just be my ancient suspension failing) but there are also a few quirky whines and noises that emit from the front end these days, that I really cant put down to anything specific because they seem to come and go randomly, while turning or while tracking straight.

As I said, the suspension is failing, I know this. I'm wondering if all these problems could be put down to that, or whether I should be concerned about the flex joints (guibos) on my steering rack, or maybe just the steering rack in general.

Of course, I did replace the CABs, hubs and control arms myself so I guess I'm willing to allow that something might have been done improperly, though I doubt it

For the record, the car can be (and is being) driven. The main issue is that I have no friction/resistance left in my steering wheel and it causes sketchy handling.

Thanks all! You guys are more than helpful
cheers

'98 e36 318i

[Frajo]

I am kind of in the same boat with my e30. Everything in the front susoension has been replaced except for the strut inserts or the springs. Lately I am also experiencing vibration as you described when going over bumps and around bumpy turns. I just replaced the steering rack and tie rods and it is still there. I'm thinking it's the shocks and struts. Unless someone else has any ideas.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

It could be a lot of things. I don't think it's your steering rack. I'd highly suggest you fix the suspension first.

[coolbear1]

The struts and springs greatly affect the steering. Ride height changes wheel angle. If the car floats and dives over changes in the road the car tends to wander all over the road. Same when you turn the wheight shift changing ride height and the torsion bar can't compensate for the sloppy struts.