Author Topic: Steering rack re-build was an epic failure... (Read 5741 times)

a930rocket · « **on:** May 21, 2011, 05:54:25 PM »

Rant on...

I re-built my stock rack last weeked and it worked well. The removal and replacement went easily (didn't bend the tabs or lift the engine to get the rack out, as some have). The re-built rack worked well, but all of a sudden it's starting to leak badly out the driver side boot. :mad:

Instead of re-building at another $50 for a new kit, I've ordered a re-built one from the Rack Doctor: http://shop.rackdoctor.net/category.sc?categoryId=84

Yes, I would like to have a quicker ratio, but it's not worth the extra money or effort.

Rant over...

DesktopDave · « **Reply #1 on:** May 21, 2011, 10:30:47 PM »

$155 isn't that bad, especially since it'll have a warranty. Newer materials may help out too. I'm not sure if the original had teflon seals, I'd suspect not.

a930rocket · « **Reply #2 on:** May 22, 2011, 12:33:34 PM »

I don't know what the old one had, but I was short a seal and an o-ring when I re-built it. I went ahead and rebuilt it knowing that it may be a problem. Thought I lucked out, but it was not to be.

I've ordered new rod ends,shocks, (4) tires, spring bushings, etc. as well. Might as well do it all while in there. I should have ordered bushings as well...

a930rocket · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2011, 02:54:09 PM »

Update:

I installed the tires, shocks/struts, etc and the car rides like a whole new car. Can't wait to install new control arms and bushings all around. Hopefully that will finish it all.

20 year old parts need replacing now...

bmwman91 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 12, 2011, 03:03:57 PM »

Are you going with stock rubber bushings, or poly? I recommend stock rubber, personally. It handles amazingly well, and the ride is much more pleasant with it as opposed to poly.

bmwm42 · « **Reply #5 on:** August 20, 2011, 01:33:27 PM »

just finished doing this my self it felt like a brand new car afterwards