Steering wheel has a bit of play in the center...adjustable?

[jrhone]

My steering wheel has a bit of play when its in the center...other than that its VERY crisp...I am probably being anal about it since its really not too bad, but is there an easy way to adjust it? Take some slack out of it?

[akfjord]

Just did this myself. Here's a faq discussion about how to adjust out the play. It's best to do it when the front wheels are off the ground, and if the slop is indeed in your steering box adjust it wheels dead center, and only a little bit at a time. If you go too far you can damage the gears.

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,0/page,viewtopic/t,329778/highlight,/sid,73fcfc2b68ccdab3d3fc45854740c900/

[dubois]

I read somewhere that a little play in the center is by design, this allows for unintended hand movements to not affect the direction of travel while driving straight. If the car feels good, tight and predictable, I'd leave it alone.

[hrg88]

On most cars with reciprocating ball steering, the normal free play in the center is about 1" - 2". If you want to tighten it up, make sure you go in small increments, as the steering will start to bind out of center and will no longer return when on its own. I wouldn't reduce the "off center" play to less than about 1/2". If you have only a small amount of play off center, but 2" or more centered, it is probably time to replace the box, they tend to wear in the center more since that is where they spend most of their time.

[c.d.iesel]

AND FILL IT WITH SAE90 HYPOID GEAR OIL FIRST !!! and inspect all the tie rod ends for any loosness