LCA Ball joint or... ?

[axelleveau]

Hello,

I believe as long as I owned my Z4 I had a slight play in the steering, as a dead zone of +/- 5deg around the centre point, which gives a disconnected feeling when going straight until some camber or corner forces put some load on the steering. This has not been fixed when changing the LCAB with poly-bushes though have to admit the LCA ball joints where advisories on my last MOT.

I had my wife wiggle the steering wheel left/right while the car was on ramp and could not visually see play in the LCA ball joints so I am wondering if it could indeed be this or if it could be something else like play in steering linkage? I am after your advice before I throw between £110 and £190 on lower control arms (are Meyle much better than Ridex?). I guess ideally I should get something done ahead of the alignment I am due following dropping the rear suspension...

 

[j3nks79]

Inner tie rods are very common. I’d start there. Replace both and both track rod ends.
All cheap parts

 

[axelleveau]

Quick update on that: Check your alignment! Seems like I was not too picky but the steering having that floaty feeling around centre point was because I was toed out and experiencing tramlining. Now on M3 CSL settings and car is smooth