Author Topic: Help!! Power Steerings (Read 4029 times)

Massimo · « **on:** March 12, 2007, 05:58:36 PM »

My power steering is leacking badly from the rack opinion as shown on the diagram (BMW E30 318is)

It only leacks when i do a full lock right It Seems like it is squeezing the fluid out. Would this be seals or a more serious problem and how much would i be looking at to fix. Any info would be great Thanks Guys

Jimmy Lewis · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2007, 07:29:16 PM »

I have a similar problem, I'm not quite sure the rack is squeezing out fluid but it sure is losing fluid around that area. Also at full lock the car tends to hesitate and after about a month of parking at full lock and what not there is a loss of fluid, as well as buildup around the boot. I would love to hear
some input on this issue.

D. Clay · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2007, 08:22:23 PM »

Could be leaking out of the end of the rack and then the fluid gets squeezed out at full lock. Clean it off real good at the car wash and then check it. If you need a rack it's the best time to upgrade to an E36 rack.

christophbmw · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2007, 08:52:28 PM »

sounds like you need a rack. they are known to leak and you do need to replace them. ive replaced 2 of them on my past e30's. they arent to pricey or hard to change.

Alpine003 · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2007, 08:04:49 AM »

Make sure your hoses going to the resorvoir and hose clamps are in good condition. They tend to get loose or swell over time and leak.

I thought I had a bad steering rack until I fixed the hoses/clamps. Easy to check as well.

Massimo · « **Reply #5 on:** March 14, 2007, 04:28:09 PM »

Thanks Guys. I took it down to one of the mecahnics and they think it might just need a rebuild Might be the seals that are gone. But if it dose need a new rack then What would be the advantages of putting in an e36 one.

Jimmy Lewis · « **Reply #6 on:** March 14, 2007, 05:35:43 PM »

I think I'm going to just replace it with a E36 rack as my tirerods are also shot. The E36 offers 3 turn lock to lock as opposed to our 4 turns, I've even heard there were Z3 racks that were 2.8 turns? Those with tighter racks, how much of a difference is there?

D. Clay · « **Reply #7 on:** March 14, 2007, 07:31:02 PM »

My 1991 318is has hoses with permanent swedged ends. The high pressure hose costs over $150. I took it to a hydraulic hose shop that cut off my ends and soldered them to their fittings and made a new hose for $61. This is the hose that goes from the pump to the rack. The rest are about $30-$40 each. If you ever put in an E36 rack snag the high pressure hose while you're at the salvage yard.
The difference in the racks is noticable and turns the E30 into a modern car steering wise. Of course you get used to it real quick but it's still way worth it considering they cost the same. E36 tie rods are interchangeable with the E30 ones as long as you keep the inner and outer together.