Z3 steering rack conversion kit

[PumpItUp]

If you can find a bearing (very limited supply when I checked)  32 31 1 157 400, it would be worth it.

I'll be sure to take a look at this bearing when I do the swap.. of course it's a special order so it will take a week if I need it but I'm trying to be frugal here.

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.

It's even more now. $107.95 vs  $128.75 At least it includes the rubber flex piece as well. http://www.iemotorsport.com/bmw/E30-suspension-steering/e30steercoupler.html

*Note* There's a good DIY writeup here: http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=66247

To clarify previous pics posted and differences between trims.. some guy on r3v replaced the u-joint on his euro e30 325i with an alternative type to do the e36/z3 steering-rack swap. Pics included below, compare bottom two knuckles with the one on top.

[colin86325]

The bottom two steering couplings you pictured are for non-airbag cars.  I did not experiment using one of that type in our cars for this swap, but I'd be interested in the results if you do so.  Maybe this is the key to prevent the need for grinding the firewall and its covering plate?

The coupling  in my airbag car had about 250k miles on it, so the joints were sloppy.  When you held the unit horizontally, it would immediately bend under the pull of gravity. Also, the rubber disc was not visibly cracked but you could rotate both halves of the joint probably 30 degrees or more.
The new unit has stiff joints and no articulation of the rubber disc was possible. 
If you do use the non-airbag coupling, then make sure it's a new unit. Replacing the rubber disc will be a big improvement on a used unit, but there are still 2 u-joints that will have slop.

[PumpItUp]

The bottom two steering couplings you pictured are for non-airbag cars.  I did not experiment using one of that type in our cars for this swap, but I'd be interested in the results if you do so.  Maybe this is the key to prevent the need for grinding the firewall and its covering plate?

Could be, but for those extra $70 ($176.95) I'd rather cut into the firewall! I would ask on the other e30 forums but I don't have an account on any of them. In the meantime I'll try to dig up a used non-airbag coupler to try when I do the swap.

[PumpItUp]

Yes, it looks like the bearing has been superseded to the 399 part.  Did not know that.

Is this what you meant? $28.76 (see photo), $34.25 on Pelican. BMW Part# 32311158686 or 32-31-1-158-686

Or this $10 bushing?

Related:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewky3QJxrQU
http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=116821

BTW the steering coupler on ECStuning is $6 dollars cheaper than on Turner: http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E30-318is-M42_1.8L/Steering/Column/ES53084/

[colin86325]

I replaced the spindle bearing at the top of the spindle (the first image with the metal housing).

The plastic bushing you show is just for centering the spindle within the rubber boot and has no structural impact.

[PumpItUp]

I replaced the spindle bearing at the top of the spindle (the first image with the metal housing).

The plastic bushing you show is just for centering the spindle within the rubber boot and has no structural impact.

Which plastic bushing? Also found this, part # 32311158835.

Pelican shows a closer photo where you can see the metal housing. The reviews are positive, "Gives a new feel to the steering wheel", but Pelican lists it as a non-e30 (e34/e36) part. But there is also this, no photo, it's #4 on this diagram.

[colin86325]

Order 32-31-1-157-399, this is the bearing for the top of the spindle.

EDIT--I've been looking at the diagram (make sure you look at the E30 diagram--there are two--that's labeled for airbag cars) and
see that 32 31 1 158 686 appears to be the lower bearing.  I did not notice this when I did my swap.  I did not remove my steering column tube though, or look at the bottom of the tube from what might be an awkward position.  Bummer.

So, these are the bearings:
32-31-1-157-399
32 31 1 158 686

The other elements are non-moving parts that can be reused.

[PumpItUp]

Thanks for clearing that up, no photos and undetailed diagrams with revised part #'s is annoying. I'll look at it on the car before I make special orders, those will take a week to come anyways. I think the 686 part is what can cause steering wheel squeal on bmws..

[PumpItUp]

Z4 "manual rack" swap better than Z3? http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=3769396&postcount=847