Author Topic: Steering rack (Read 7978 times)

Vladi · « **on:** June 30, 2007, 05:35:36 PM »

My power steering rack needs to be replaced badly (leaks oil).
What should i do, replace it with an E30 one or with an E36 one.

If i'm not mistaken, the e30 has 4 turns and the normal e36 one has 3.5, right?
Also, has anyone who swaped the e36 rack noticed an easier steering or is it the same as with the e30 one?

Thank you!

D. Clay · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2007, 06:04:08 PM »

I put an E36 rack in about 6 months ago. You can use the E30 or E36 tie rod ends. The E36 are easier to adjust. The steering is quicker and the power assist about the same. It makes the car feel more modern. The rack was US$125 from a salvage yard.

Vladi · « **Reply #2 on:** July 01, 2007, 04:01:21 PM »

Some people say e36 racks brake down more often than the e30 ones...is that right? :confused:

Master · « **Reply #3 on:** July 01, 2007, 04:14:40 PM »

I don't thinks so, never heard of one broken�
Although the power steering pump is another topic,
they fail quite often, mainly because people are too lazy to change the fluid once in a while

romkasponka · « **Reply #4 on:** July 01, 2007, 04:16:30 PM »

Quote from: Vladi;28888

Some people say e36 racks brake down more often than the e30 ones...is that right? :confused:

yes, because in E36 steering rack location is in front of oil pan

Vladi · « **Reply #5 on:** July 01, 2007, 05:01:22 PM »

I see.

So the e36 rack is kinda plug and play, can i use the e36 tie rods? Does it fit the holes from the e30 one?

Vladi · « **Reply #6 on:** July 01, 2007, 05:22:28 PM »

Clay, did you bend the tabs also?Or did you lift the engine?I plan on lifting the engine. Did you change the HP hose also?
http://www.e30tech.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21779&start=0

sheepdog · « **Reply #7 on:** July 01, 2007, 05:24:41 PM »

Look around, for a little more than that used price you may be able to buy a rebuilt one.

m44power · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2007, 06:18:11 PM »

Z3's streering rack is 2.5 turns

and its plug and play for our E36's for your e30 is gone fit very well too

Frankie · « **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2007, 09:17:54 AM »

What about if ypou don't have power streering, can I still use z3's steering rack?

Vladi · « **Reply #10 on:** July 04, 2007, 03:55:49 PM »

If you fill it with some fluid and put the screws in...maybe...

2002maniac · « **Reply #11 on:** July 04, 2007, 05:50:08 PM »

Quote from: m44power;28905

Z3's streering rack is 2.5 turns and its plug and play for our E36's for your e30 is gone fit very well too

it's actually 2.7 but it has the same ratio has the 3.0 turn lock to lock rack. The Z3 rack has less travel wich accounts for the 2.7 turns

I like my z3 rack alot. worth the swap IMO

m44power · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2007, 06:26:24 PM »

Quote from: Frankie;29057

What about if ypou don't have power streering, can I still use z3's steering rack?

why to do that

?? just screw some steering pump an hoses and use it like power steering rack pretty easy

m44power · « **Reply #13 on:** July 05, 2007, 06:46:26 PM »

Quote from: 2002maniac;29087

it's actually 2.7 but it has the same ratio has the 3.0 turn lock to lock rack. The Z3 rack has less travel wich accounts for the 2.7 turns

I like my z3 rack alot. worth the swap IMO

this is not true 3.0 turn steering rack is same ratio as z3's but its variable ratio, z3 2.7 steering rack is not variable

95 M3 15.4 ratio 3.0 turns lock-to-lock
96+ M3/MZ3 17.8 ratio 3.2 turns lock-to-lock
Z3 15.4 ratio 2.7 turns lock-to-lock
325 16.8 ratio 3.4 turns lock-to-lock
328 15.4 ratio 3.2 turns lock-to-lock

D. Clay · « **Reply #14 on:** July 05, 2007, 08:40:08 PM »

Quote from: Vladi;28903

Clay, did you bend the tabs also?Or did you lift the engine?I plan on lifting the engine. Did you change the HP hose also?
http://www.e30tech.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21779&start=0

I bent the tabs and played around with the old hose until it fit. I did need a helper to hold the hose from above while I started the bolt from below. It was too small a space for two hands.
I am curious how you would make a variable ratio rack. It's basically two gears.