M42club.com - Home of the BMW E30/E36 318i/iS
DISCUSSION => General Topics => Topic started by: CaptainSlow90 on April 09, 2013, 12:30:54 PM
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Anyone know of a good site to get a remanufactured or good used Z3 steering rack or even a whole kit?
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I've usually just scanned Craigslist. I'll bet CarPart.com would be a great place to post a request. Other than standard auto parts stores, I've never tried any specialty shops.
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idk rackdoctor.com has rebuilt racks. You can eat the cost of the core return but have a reliable remanu rack. Then then piece together the parts
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I used a rack from a E46 330i from rackdoctor. I also recommend getting a new u-joint for your steering column.
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Alright cool. Thanks for the suggestions.
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remember that remanufactured is different than rebuilt.
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I picked up a used one on www.car-part.com for $220 shipped like 4 years ago. Swapped it in with some new tie rods and it has been golden ever since. It came out of a 1997 1.9L Z3 I think. The one out of the 1.9L has the tightest turn ratio of all the easily swappable ones, I believe.
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I also recommend getting a new u-joint for your steering column.
Thank you I found these:
Bushing/Sleeve for Upper Steering Column, each 14 MM. (http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=32-31-1-120-260-BOE&catalog_description=&Bushing%252FSleeve%2520for%2520Upper%2520Steering%2520Column%252C%2520E%2533%2530%2520%2533%252DSeries%2520all%2520)
$6.50 Part #: 32-31-1-120-260-BOE
http://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e30-steering.aspx
Pricey aftermarket upgrade: http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info.php?products_id=459
Swapped it in with some new tie rods and it has been golden ever since.
Why does one need a "conversion kit" for swapping to quicker rack? Just these spacers? http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94377
I remember there being procedure to open, drain and "grease" the rack to imitate at true manual rack and make steering easier after power-steering removal. I think I did just that years back on a previous car but I'm not certain.. Do guys on e30 forums do that or just swap it on?
And have any of you had experience with the brand Karlyn? Because their Z3 tie-rods are only $31.25 (http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/catalog/shopcart/BEZ3/POR_BEZ3_SUSstr_pg3.htm#item12) and $24.75 (http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=32-11-1-125-186-M290&catalog_description=&Tie%2520Rod%2520Assembly%252C%2520Left%2520or%2520Right%2520%2528%2532%2520per%2520car%252C%2520sold%2520individually%2529%2520sold%2520individually%2520%2528Also%2520use%2520%2533%2532%252D%2531%2531%252D%2531%252D%2531%2532%2534%252D%2535%2534%2530%252DM%2539%2520Lock%2520Plate%2529%252C%2520BMW%2520E%2533%2530%2520%2533%2520Series%252C%2520All%2520%2520except%2520%2533%2532%2535iX%2520%2528%2531%2539%2538%2534%252D%2539%2532%2529%2520) for 318is. $49 (Z3) and $56 (318is) for Lemfoerder (OEM).
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I also recommend getting a new u-joint for your steering column.
Thank you I found these:
Bushing/Sleeve for Upper Steering Column, each 14 MM. (http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=32-31-1-120-260-BOE&catalog_description=&Bushing%252FSleeve%2520for%2520Upper%2520Steering%2520Column%252C%2520E%2533%2530%2520%2533%252DSeries%2520all%2520)
$6.50 Part #: 32-31-1-120-260-BOE
http://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e30-steering.aspx (http://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e30-steering.aspx)
Pricey aftermarket upgrade: http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info.php?products_id=459 (http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info.php?products_id=459)
Swapped it in with some new tie rods and it has been golden ever since.
Why does one need a "conversion kit" for swapping to quicker rack? Just these spacers? http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94377 (http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=94377)
I remember there being procedure to open, drain and "grease" the rack to imitate at true manual rack and make steering easier after power-steering removal. I think I did just that years back on a previous car but I'm not certain.. Do guys on e30 forums do that or just swap it on?
And have any of you had experience with the brand Karlyn? Because their Z3 tie-rods are only $31.25 (http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/catalog/shopcart/BEZ3/POR_BEZ3_SUSstr_pg3.htm#item12) and $24.75 (http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=32-11-1-125-186-M290&catalog_description=&Tie%2520Rod%2520Assembly%252C%2520Left%2520or%2520Right%2520%2528%2532%2520per%2520car%252C%2520sold%2520individually%2529%2520sold%2520individually%2520%2528Also%2520use%2520%2533%2532%252D%2531%2531%252D%2531%252D%2531%2532%2534%252D%2535%2534%2530%252DM%2539%2520Lock%2520Plate%2529%252C%2520BMW%2520E%2533%2530%2520%2533%2520Series%252C%2520All%2520%2520except%2520%2533%2532%2535iX%2520%2528%2531%2539%2538%2534%252D%2539%2532%2529%2520) for 318is. $49 (Z3) and $56 (318is) for Lemfoerder (OEM).
Be aware that there are two different E30 steering columns - the airbag one is shorter and the lower linkage is different IIRC.
I drained the ATF out of mine, pulled the P/S plumbing but I left the P/S piston in place. There's a writeup for a Miata (http://www.flyinmiata.com/tech/depower.php?x=1) out on the interwebs if you want to go that route. I was tempted, but I'll wait until I find a good E36 rack. Manual steering on an M42 E30 isn't that heavy even with the piston installed IMHO. The rack & pinion are greased separately - not lubed by ATF.
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Separately greased....NICE! I was always a little weary of running the PS rack without PS because of lubrication, but it sounds like that's a non-issue!
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Separately greased....NICE! I was always a little weary of running the PS rack without PS because of lubrication, but it sounds like that's a non-issue!
Yep - the rack uses synthetic MP grease. ATF is only used in the valve body and the booster piston. If I do a do-powering I'll post some pics. I know someone here did it already though...IIRC following those Miata directions.
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If I do a de-powering I'll post some pics.
I can do that as soon as next week but please help clear something up for me.. is the following correct?
There is no need to modify the steering knuckle, stock knuckle works just fine. The thing that does need to be modified is your firewall. For the E36 rack to fit you will need to move the opening in the firewall down and to the right about 1.5-inches. The part that is outlined with a marker needs to be ground away with a dremel.
A black metal plate that holds the firewall seal in place, this plate is bolted on to the firewall from the inside of the car, will need to be replaced. You will need to fabricate a new plate that will move the seal down and to the right. See the picture, the new plate is on the left.
Install the plate and seal all the exposed metal with some 3M-body sealant to keep it from rusting. The last picture shows everything assembled and of course don’t forget to use four spacers BMW Part # 72-11-1-847-480 for mounting the steering rack to the sub frame. High-pressure line has to be out of an E36 or bend your E30 line to fit.
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There should be no reason to order 32-31-1-120-260 (this is just a spacer ring), as your existing part can be reused.
If you can find a bearing (very limited supply when I checked) 32 31 1 157 400, it would be worth it. I refreshed everything when I installed my E46 rack, including the u-joint 32 31 1 156 348. I think replacing the u-joint made a tremendous difference and is frequently overlooked because it's about $90.
For airbag cars, yes you will need to grind down the firewall and the locating plate as described in the article.
Yes, you will need the spacers to mount the rack to the subframe. I used the spacer kit you linked to on the E30tech page.
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If you can find a bearing (very limited supply when I checked) 32 31 1 157 400, it would be worth it. I refreshed everything when I installed my E46 rack, including the u-joint 32 31 1 156 348. I think replacing the u-joint made a tremendous difference and is frequently overlooked because it's about $90.
Is this it? http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-178402-32311157399-genuine-bmw-part.aspx
pelican said part # ending in 400 is superseded to 399 (32-31-1-157-399-BOE (http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/PEL_search.cgi?SUPERCAT_FLAG=&make=&please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&command=DWsearch&description=32311157399&FILTER_BE30=ON&FILTER_TECH=ON&FILTER_SUPP=ON&FILTER_ACCE=ON&FILTER_CARE=ON&FILTER_STUF=ON&FILTER_PERF=ON&FILTER_MISC=ON&FILTER_GADG=ON&FILTER_TOOL=ON#))
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Yes, it looks like the bearing has been superseded to the 399 part. Did not know that.
Do get a new u-joint though. Despite the added expense, it's the kind of thing that you will regret not doing while you are in there.
Here's a couple of quick notes I made when doing mine:
http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117158
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If you can find a bearing (very limited supply when I checked) 32 31 1 157 400, it would be worth it.
I'll be sure to take a look at this bearing (http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E30/2-doors/USA/318is-M42/LHD/M/browse/?search=32311157400&date=true) when I do the swap.. of course it's a special order so it will take a week if I need it but I'm trying to be frugal here.
I refreshed everything when I installed my E46 rack, including the u-joint 32 31 1 156 348. I think replacing the u-joint made a tremendous difference and is frequently overlooked because it's about $90.
It's even more now. $107.95 (http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-20372-e30-318i325i-88-92-lower-steering-shaft-joint-flex-disc.aspx) vs $128.75 (http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/PEL_Search.cgi?SUPERCAT_FLAG=&make=&please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&FILTER_BE30=ON&FILTER_ACCE=ON&FILTER_CARE=ON&FILTER_STUF=ON&FILTER_PERF=ON&FILTER_MISC=ON&FILTER_GADG=ON&FILTER_TOOL=ON&FILTER_SUPP=ON&FILTER_TECH=ON&command=DWsearch&command=DWsearch&REFINE=Y&FORUM_REFER=&SUPERCAT_FLAG=&make=&description=32-%2B31-1-156-348&x=70&y=7&FILTER_SUPP2=ON&FILTER_TECH2=ON&FILTER_ACCE2=ON&FILTER_CARE2=ON&FILTER_BE302=ON&FILTER_STUF2=ON&FILTER_PERF2=ON&FILTER_MISC2=ON&FILTER_GADG2=ON&FILTER_TOOL2=ON&description=32311157399&FILTER_BE30=ON&FILTER_ACCE=ON&FILTER_CARE=ON&FILTER_STUF=ON&FILTER_PERF=ON&FILTER_MISC=ON&FILTER_GADG=ON&FILTER_TOOL=ON&FILTER_SUPP=ON&FILTER_TECH=ON&FILTER_SUPP2=ON&FILTER_TECH2=ON&FILTER_ACCE2=ON&FILTER_CARE2=ON&FILTER_BE302=ON&FILTER_STUF2=ON&FILTER_PERF2=ON&FILTER_MISC2=ON&FILTER_GADG2=ON&FILTER_TOOL2=ON) At least it includes the rubber flex piece as well. http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-suspension-steering/e30steercoupler.html
*Note* There's a good DIY writeup here: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=66247
To clarify previous pics posted and differences between trims.. some guy on r3v (http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=212611) replaced the u-joint (http://static.bmwfans.info/images/epc/MzgyOF9w.png) on his euro e30 325i with an alternative type to do the e36/z3 steering-rack swap. Pics included below, compare bottom two knuckles with the one on top.
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The bottom two steering couplings you pictured are for non-airbag cars. I did not experiment using one of that type in our cars for this swap, but I'd be interested in the results if you do so. Maybe this is the key to prevent the need for grinding the firewall and its covering plate?
The coupling in my airbag car had about 250k miles on it, so the joints were sloppy. When you held the unit horizontally, it would immediately bend under the pull of gravity. Also, the rubber disc was not visibly cracked but you could rotate both halves of the joint probably 30 degrees or more.
The new unit has stiff joints and no articulation of the rubber disc was possible.
If you do use the non-airbag coupling, then make sure it's a new unit. Replacing the rubber disc will be a big improvement on a used unit, but there are still 2 u-joints that will have slop.
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The bottom two steering couplings you pictured are for non-airbag cars. I did not experiment using one of that type in our cars for this swap, but I'd be interested in the results if you do so. Maybe this is the key to prevent the need for grinding the firewall and its covering plate?
Could be, but for those extra $70 ($176.95 (http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-20383-e30-318i325e325i-84-87-lower-steering-shaft-joint-flex-disc.aspx)) I'd rather cut into the firewall! I would ask on the other e30 forums but I don't have an account on any of them. In the meantime I'll try to dig up a used non-airbag coupler to try when I do the swap.
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Yes, it looks like the bearing has been superseded to the 399 part. Did not know that.
Is this what you meant? $28.76 (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E30-318is-M42_1.8L/Steering/Column/ES53155/) (see photo), $34.25 (http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/ksearch/PEL_Search.cgi?SUPERCAT_FLAG=&make=&please_wait=N&forumid=&threadid=&FILTER_BE30=ON&FILTER_ACCE=ON&FILTER_CARE=ON&FILTER_STUF=ON&FILTER_PERF=ON&FILTER_MISC=ON&FILTER_GADG=ON&FILTER_TOOL=ON&FILTER_SUPP=ON&FILTER_TECH=ON&command=DWsearch&command=DWsearch&REFINE=Y&FORUM_REFER=&SUPERCAT_FLAG=&make=&description=32311158686&x=3&y=4&FILTER_SUPP2=ON&FILTER_TECH2=ON&FILTER_ACCE2=ON&FILTER_CARE2=ON&FILTER_BE302=ON&FILTER_STUF2=ON&FILTER_PERF2=ON&FILTER_MISC2=ON&FILTER_GADG2=ON&FILTER_TOOL2=ON&description=32311157399&FILTER_BE30=ON&FILTER_ACCE=ON&FILTER_CARE=ON&FILTER_STUF=ON&FILTER_PERF=ON&FILTER_MISC=ON&FILTER_GADG=ON&FILTER_TOOL=ON&FILTER_SUPP=ON&FILTER_TECH=ON&FILTER_SUPP2=ON&FILTER_TECH2=ON&FILTER_ACCE2=ON&FILTER_CARE2=ON&FILTER_BE302=ON&FILTER_STUF2=ON&FILTER_PERF2=ON&FILTER_MISC2=ON&FILTER_GADG2=ON&FILTER_TOOL2=ON) on Pelican. BMW Part# 32311158686 (http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E30-2-doors/USA/318is-M42/L-M/search?s=32311158686) or 32-31-1-158-686
Or this $10 (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E30-318is-M42_1.8L/Steering/Shaft/ES53119/) bushing?
Related:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewky3QJxrQU
http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116821
BTW the steering coupler on ECStuning is $6 dollars cheaper than on Turner: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E30-318is-M42_1.8L/Steering/Column/ES53084/
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I replaced the spindle bearing at the top of the spindle (the first image with the metal housing).
The plastic bushing you show is just for centering the spindle within the rubber boot and has no structural impact.
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I replaced the spindle bearing at the top of the spindle (the first image with the metal housing).
The plastic bushing you show is just for centering the spindle within the rubber boot and has no structural impact.
Which plastic bushing? Also found this (http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=rwlag1me2povjh45nteyek55&makeid=800003@BMW&modelid=1011373@318IS&year=1991&cid=26@Steering%20System&gid=7256@Steering%20Shaft%20Bearing), part # 32311158835.
Pelican (http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=32-31-1-158-835-M9&catalog_description=&Steering%2520Shaft%2520Bushing%252C%2520E%2533%2534%2520%2535%252Dseries%2520%2528all%2529%2520%2520) shows a closer photo where you can see the metal housing. The reviews are positive, "Gives a new feel to the steering wheel", but Pelican lists it as a non-e30 (e34/e36) part. But there is also this (http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/smart/more_info.cgi?pn=32-31-1-120-260-BOE&catalog_description=&Bushing%252FSleeve%2520for%2520Upper%2520Steering%2520Column%252C%2520E%2533%2530%2520%2533%252DSeries%2520all%2520), no photo, it's #4 on this (http://bmwfans.info/parts-catalog/E30-2-doors/USA/318is-M42/L-M/browse/steering/steer_col_steer_spin_upper_2) diagram.
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Order 32-31-1-157-399, this is the bearing for the top of the spindle.
EDIT--I've been looking at the diagram (make sure you look at the E30 diagram--there are two--that's labeled for airbag cars) and
see that 32 31 1 158 686 appears to be the lower bearing. I did not notice this when I did my swap. I did not remove my steering column tube though, or look at the bottom of the tube from what might be an awkward position. Bummer.
So, these are the bearings:
32-31-1-157-399
32 31 1 158 686
The other elements are non-moving parts that can be reused.
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Thanks for clearing that up, no photos and undetailed diagrams with revised part #'s is annoying. I'll look at it on the car before I make special orders, those will take a week to come anyways. I think the 686 part is what can cause steering wheel squeal on bmws..
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Z4 "manual rack" swap better than Z3? http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=3769396&postcount=847