Steering wheel adjustment

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repoman
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My E21(s): 1983 320iS bronzitbeige
1982 320i
Location: Brea, California USA

Steering wheel adjustment

Post by repoman »

Hello,

My sport steering wheel hub cover recently started rubbing against the steering column cover and it's making quite the noise. There aren't any broken tabs on the hub cover. It has just happened gradually over the past few days. Is there a way to adjust the steering column rod so that the steering wheel is more aligned? It's almost like my left arm is more extended than my right arm when holding the wheel. I recently had my steering rack bushings (part# 32 11 1 120 433) replaced about two months ago, I am not sure if this is related. Thank you in advance.
Last edited by repoman on Sat Jan 10, 2026 6:22 pm, edited 1 time in total.


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Jeroen
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My E21(s): '81 323i Baur
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Re: Steering wheel adjustment

Post by Jeroen »

The steering column is fixed, it won't move under any circumstances, so the steering rack bushes do no change that either. Most likely is that you have a screetching sound caused by the horn pin (on the column) on a dry ring at the back of the steering wheel. Remove the wheel and give it some copper grease.
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
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uwbuurman
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My E21(s): 1978 type 1 323i 5speed dogleg Polaris
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Re: Steering wheel adjustment

Post by uwbuurman »

Is the spacer ring placed back after the works on the bearings? Behind the wheel should be a ring / spacer. If that is not there, then you'll bound to encounter the problems you're having right now.

It is spacer number 32311120260

Image

So if you take off the steering wheel, than this is the first thing on the column.
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Jeroen
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Re: Steering wheel adjustment

Post by Jeroen »

good one too indeed, some remove these to fit a Nardi wheel for example, but you need a thinner spacer instead.
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
repoman
E21 starter
Posts: 27
Joined: Sun Mar 10, 2013 4:27 am
My E21(s): 1983 320iS bronzitbeige
1982 320i
Location: Brea, California USA

Re: Steering wheel adjustment

Post by repoman »

Thank you for the quick responses. It definitely has the spacer, and it is definitely rubbing against the steering column cover. The gap between the hub cover and the steering column cover on the right side is about 1/2" while the left side is hitting and rubbing. If the steering rod is fixed, then it must either be the steering wheel or the hub trim, however, both appear to be straight/level/flush. just odd that it started about a week ago. I am going to swap it with my other E21 and see if it does the same thing, that way I guess I will know for sure....I will update the post when I have a chance to do that. Thank you again!
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Jeroen
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Re: Steering wheel adjustment

Post by Jeroen »

That's weird indeed, curious to hear your further findings!
Regards/groeten, Jeroen
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