e30 power steering rack safty issue?

[Frajo]

Hi again everyone.
This concerns my 88 325is. The steering rack is definitely bad. There is play coming from the driver side of the rack where the tie rod and rack meet. I noticed when going through turns the front wheels are shuddering through the corners. I plan on replacing it with a working used one very soon and I wonder in the mean time, since it is still a daily driver and I really donʻt know the mechanics inside of the rack itself, is there any danger of something breaking loose in the rack causing any loss of steering when going through a turn due to this play I have noticed. appreciate any feed back on this one.

[Manolito]

This is a tough call. No one is going to assure you that it is safe. Tie rod ends and ball joints are made to get pretty loose before they break apart completely. I have had ball joints and wheel bearings so bad that I could feel the wheel wobble, but bad tie rod ends was something I could hear when parking, but not feel when driving. That suggests that I have never driven one as bad as yours is now. That scares me a little.

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

I dont think the tie rods are going to fall out of the rack, if thats what you are afraid of. You may also want to check the rubber coupler that connects the two pieces of the steering column right above the rack.

[markdas]

Try replacing the track rod ends first to confirm if the actual rack intself is okay.

Daily driver, probably warrents a check of the wheel bearings, anti roll bar bushes and links and control arm mounts etc.

[Frajo]

Hey markdas. Like I said everything else was replaced new. The steering rack was leaking. I did replace the rack along with the tie rods and fresh tires. Still bumping around a bit And although it is definitely not floating around like a boat...I think it may be time for new shocks and struts. hopefully soon as my budget can allow.