e46 into e30 Steering Rack Swap

[shady62]

I have just literally finished this swap yesterday. Absolute nightmare of a job. I've used the modified corsa linkage but I have hadto use the from subframe bolt holes as using the rear holes made my linkage hit the eexhaust manifold. Getting the rack up there in place was a right pig too. I have fitted the spacers below but I did wonder which was best place to put them. Any ideas on my clearance issues? Its a rhd e30 318is

[Slowered318]

I think the consensus is to put the spacers above the rack.

For RHD I heard the linkage is tricky but maybe the hoses are less trouble.
You may want to use http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info.php?cPath=1_17_159&products_id=459
or build something like what's pictured below, DanThe's linkage IIRC.

[shady62]

Cheers chief will have a good mooch

[Slowered318]

Having some major trouble here.

Does anyone know if the pressure hose (pump to rack) on e30 has a check valve or regulator? It has an arrow on one of the connector ends and a metal band half way along the hose.

Also I'm not sure what setup will work properly. e30 has no check valves from what I can see, e36 325 has a check valve on the return line, e46 has check valve in the banjo bolt (rack end of the pressure hose). I'm using the e30 pressure hose with check valve banjo bolt that was on the e46 rack and e36 return/cooler hose, can't get all the air out and it doesn't feel like I have any power assisted steering.

Maybe I just can't make logical sense out of these hydraulic systems. 

Edit: Rack came from a 330 fitted with the lower pressure LF-20 pump.

[potatomash]

To solve e46 venting issue, I just used e46 inner tie rods with e36 outers.  My rack is in the rear holes in the subframe and for the linkage I used a corsa linkage, which was also crazy close to headers, so I put 6mm of spacers under the engine mounts (akg 75d mounts) now it clears perfect (mine is 325i however).  For hoses I used the e30 high pressure line to the pump and just bent it to fit, the other hose I used the e46 one which works perfectly.  I also used the e46 cooler which I just mounted under the radiator.

Best mod yet, steering is amazing