2002 325xi front end issues...

[randyr]

My '02 325xi has 109K miles. In the last 20k miles I have replaced the front axle shafts and control arm bushings but I'm still getting some unsettling vibrations and quirks in the steering and handling. I installed urethane control arm bushings but they don't appear to be fitting very tight. Also when I jack the front wheels off the ground and move the tire side to side, I get some movement in the tie rod shaft (not the outer tie rod connection) but inside toward the rack & pinion. I also noticed the sway bar bushings are shot.
I'm on a tight budget so please help me figure out the most economical way to correct my problems. I don't see any movement in the outer & inner ball joints but there is movement in the new urethane control arm bushings. Where is the movement on the inner tie rods coming from? What's the best way to address that?
I also noticed the right engine mount seems to be worn out. Perhaps some of the vibration is coming from that.
Sorry for the rambling post but I'd appreciate anyone's expert help & suggestions. Thanks.

[Jack Dabsy]

If you are keeping the car then bite your knuckles and put poly bushes on her !
Sounds like a rack problem... Does the movement/slack disappear with the motor running?

[randyr]

Originally Posted by Dabsy

If you are keeping the car then bite your knuckles and put poly bushes on her !
Sounds like a rack problem... Does the movement/slack disappear with the motor running?

I already put polyurethane control arm bushings on it. I'll check to see if the slack disappears with the motor running....thanks.