[fredtr]

2008 328XI, this doesn't happen often, seems like slight left turn, not far from straight, feels like steering slips, gradually following curve and have to turn wheel a bit more for it to follow the curve. Have had front end aligned by shop with a good reputation, worn components have been replaced. I'm guessing it is a rack problem, but it is just a guess. Any suggestions, guesses etc., appreciated. Fred

[ctuna]

Do you have a list of what they replaced?

[fredtr]

LF tie rod
Front lower rear control arms
Rear lower forward control arms

Changing these did not change the steering symptom.

[e90yyc]

Any idea what kind of shape the old tie rod was in? Not a common failure item on these cars, so just curious.

How many miles on your car?

Have you been able to identify any trend as to when it happens, other than slight left turn? Is there a specific speed/range where it happens? If it was always when turning a specific way I wouldn’t be surprised, but it’s odd that it only happens sometimes.

Before you look into rack replacement (no small job with an xDrive car), inspect your steering shaft for play. This is the piece that connects your steering column to your rack. It sits between the two. Access from engine bay. You’re looking for noises or play in the u-joints. This is a more common failure item, and development of play can cause on-centre dead spots and noises. I’d expect this to be noticeable more often than not, but who knows. With your car parked and the wheels pointed straight, wiggle the steering wheel left to right and see if you can feel excessive play (or hear any noises). You can try with engine on and off.

If the steering shaft checks out, I’m kind of with you on it being the rack. Also not a common failure item, but I know they aren’t bulletproof.

[fredtr]

Tie rod wasn't too bad, just some play. Car has 150K miles. It seems to do it most about 45 mph, not when going slow, or I just don't notice it. Better chance of it happening going faster, I think. Steering shaft knuckle was first thing I looked at. Car had a bad oil leak that covered the shaft. I took it to a place that did a good job cleaning it, I think. The part I can see is spotless. Very little play or noise, standing still, but I appreciate the input and will look back at it with an inspection camera.

[e90yyc]

No problem at all.

Assuming there isn’t some other oddball issue, I’d be thinking rack at this point too unfortunately.

[ctuna]

Had some vibration in my steering at certain speeds.
Thrust bushings shot and leaking at 95k.
Vibration gone now and steering slop gone as well.
Thrust Bushing is the description on the Bill.

[fredtr]

Thank-you, I will take a close look at the thrust bushings.

[PumpkinBimmer]

Id put money on it being a clock spring issue, or steering calibration issue.

[fredtr]

Thank-you everyone, I replaced the thrust bushings and I am 90% sure that it fixed the problem. It snowed where I am at, and driving carefully, but it sure seems like the problem is gone. It was intermittent, but I think I would have experienced it by now if it wasn't fixed.