Z3 steering rack conversion kit
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CaptainSlow90

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Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« on: April 09, 2013, 12:30:54 PM »
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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DesktopDave

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2013, 01:12:36 PM »
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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///m42 sport

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2013, 10:25:47 PM »
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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colin86325

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #3 on: April 15, 2013, 09:27:36 AM »
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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CaptainSlow90

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2013, 02:42:37 PM »
Alright cool. Thanks for the suggestions.
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nickmpower

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #5 on: June 21, 2013, 08:01:19 PM »
remember that remanufactured is different than rebuilt.
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bmwman91

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #6 on: June 21, 2013, 11:35:26 PM »
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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PumpItUp

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #7 on: October 28, 2013, 08:13:42 PM »
Quote from: colin86325 on April 15, 2013, 09:27:36 AM
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.
$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

Quote from: bmwman91 on June 21, 2013, 11:35:26 PM
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 and $24.75 for 318is. $49 (Z3) and $56 (318is) for Lemfoerder (OEM).
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DesktopDave

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #8 on: October 29, 2013, 07:37:29 AM »
Quote from: PumpItUp on October 28, 2013, 08:13:42 PM
Quote from: colin86325 on April 15, 2013, 09:27:36 AM
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.
$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

Quote from: bmwman91 on June 21, 2013, 11:35:26 PM
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 and $24.75 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 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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bmwman91

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #9 on: October 29, 2013, 10:23:35 AM »
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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DesktopDave

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #10 on: October 29, 2013, 11:02:24 AM »
Quote from: bmwman91 on October 29, 2013, 10:23:35 AM
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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PumpItUp

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #11 on: October 30, 2013, 04:32:08 AM »
Quote from: DesktopDave on October 29, 2013, 11:02:24 AM
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?
Quote from: http://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e30-steering.aspx
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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colin86325

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #12 on: October 30, 2013, 05:04:03 AM »
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.
« Last Edit: October 30, 2013, 05:19:08 AM by colin86325 »
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PumpItUp

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #13 on: October 30, 2013, 06:28:03 PM »
Quote from: colin86325 on October 30, 2013, 05:04:03 AM
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)

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colin86325

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Re: Z3 steering rack conversion kit
« Reply #14 on: October 31, 2013, 06:49:52 AM »
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
« Last Edit: October 31, 2013, 07:00:57 AM by colin86325 »
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