Author Topic: Z3/E36 Steering Rack parts list... (Read 12008 times)

longms · « **on:** November 15, 2009, 01:18:18 PM »

If one were to want to do a steering rack swap what would be all the parts one should get to make this work?

What years specifically would work for this from the Z3 and from the E36 models for the actual racks?

Thanks.

carlos318is · « **Reply #1 on:** November 15, 2009, 03:12:51 PM »

I have been told its a lot easyer to fit a Z3 rack

But if you use a E36 rack you need the bottom of the E36 steering coupling and the top of the E30 coulping and you have to bend the power steering pipes to fit also space the rack out from the car

longms · « **Reply #2 on:** November 15, 2009, 03:14:32 PM »

How is the Z3 rack a lot easier?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #3 on:** November 16, 2009, 09:18:55 AM »

I thought you just needed some washers to shim the rack...all the other stuff fits directly on the airbag cars. The steering column might need moved, so the firewall & steering boot cover plate inside the car may need modified too. I'm not sure if the e36 pump & hoses will fit, but as mentioned the e30 setup can be persuaded to fit.

I haven't done it myself, just passing along info that I'm learning for my own swap.

carlos318is · « **Reply #4 on:** November 16, 2009, 03:42:57 PM »

I have done it on a Uk spec E30 and used the E30 pump and top half of the steering coupling You have to use the bottom part of the E36 steering coupling at its a thiner shaft

OLD E30 RACK AND PIPE SET UP

NEW E36 RACK AND COUPLING AND SAME E30 PIPES.

longms · « **Reply #5 on:** November 16, 2009, 08:22:58 PM »

Is there a DIY anywhere??? something that shows this done step by step?

keflaman · « **Reply #6 on:** November 17, 2009, 06:35:27 AM »

Quote from: longms;81602

Is there a DIY anywhere??? something that shows this done step by step?

http://www.m42club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1642&highlight=steering+conversion

http://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e30-steering.aspx

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=66247

emurepleses · « **Reply #7 on:** November 18, 2009, 09:11:06 AM »

so if u build a stamped recieverd AK, u would need 6 parts if u use a muzzle brake ?

longms · « **Reply #8 on:** November 23, 2009, 11:01:17 AM »

this is looking more and more attractive to do. Not that much involved. Gets your hands dirty and do the job right the first time and you are set.

Andy_Casey · « **Reply #9 on:** November 23, 2009, 11:38:30 AM »

I have a Z3 rack fitted, soooooooooooooo worth doing.

It required the pipes straightening and then re-bending to fit, custom hoses would be a better fix.
The steering arms and outer ball joints are Z3.
The holes on the rack and subframe don't quite line up so need some fettling.
The rack requires some 15mm spacers to make up the gap in the subframe.
Might need to mess about to get clearance on the EM on a RHD car, I've had knocking problems as my engine mounts are a little soft. Might try and E36 EM to see if it helps with clearance.

It's well worth doing, the difference is night and day, squidgey slow steering gone, seriously sharp steering now, so much better to drive and catch any waywardness. This is how they should have been from the factory.

longms · « **Reply #10 on:** December 01, 2009, 10:38:09 AM »

this is going on my list but who knows when it will get done

DesktopDave · « **Reply #11 on:** December 01, 2009, 10:51:54 AM »

Mine too. My rack started leaking so I pulled the P/S belt & drained the system. The wife isn't crazy about driving as an upper-body workout.

longms · « **Reply #12 on:** December 01, 2009, 11:10:38 AM »

Haha...she just doesn't understand the true passion we have to have to keep these cars running and to enjoy them at the same time

DesktopDave · « **Reply #13 on:** December 01, 2009, 11:35:24 AM »

She actually does, though she calls it a "mental disorder."

longms · « **Reply #14 on:** December 02, 2009, 11:10:37 AM »

And I would have to agree with that but I alos have this disorder and love it. Once you catch it there is always something else that you "NEED" to have or do to your car.