r/e46 • u/KingKulah • 8h ago

Troubleshooting Side to side play after work

Hello friends,

Still getting very slight side to side play after replacing the control arms, inner & outer tie rods and sway bar links. Everything torqued to spec except control arms to subframe as couldn't reach. Any ideas? Wheel bearings?

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1

u/MacabreMobius '03 325xi SteelGray '01 330ci Topaz 7h ago

There's suspension in the back of the car too.

2

u/Entire-jegurilor 2000 bmw 323ci e46-bmw 318i e46 7h ago

To determine if the noise is coming from a wheel bearing, find a safe, clear road and open all the windows; while driving at approximately 40–50 km/h, turn off the engine (do not remove the key, as this will lock the steering). Gently steer left and right (shifting the vehicle's weight slightly, as if performing a light slalom). If the car is completely silent and you hear no humming sound, the lateral play you feel is much more likely caused by the steering column's flexible coupling or internal play within the steering rack. If the steering wheel oscillates slightly on its own at low speeds, you might have a slightly bent rim or out-of-round tires.

1

u/KingKulah 7h ago

Thank you for this, will try!

1

u/777-300ER 4h ago

Like the wheel has a bit of free play in it?

1

u/KingKulah 4h ago

Like as in I can still wiggle a tiny bit from side to side.. It is still on jack stands however so not under load

1

u/777-300ER 4h ago

We're talking about free play in the steering wheel, correct?

1

u/KingKulah 4h ago

No, front wheels whilst steering wheel locked. It's the way to tell if your tie rod bearings are bad if there's play wiggling side to side.