How To Guide - E36 Steering Rack Swap

[jrobie79]

yep

didnt have time to order any hardware, so im going to be making a trip to the hardware store!!

which step uses these?

Bolt M10x50 - - - - - - - - - 26111226737 - - - - x2 - - -$2.70

is it step 24, bolting the rack back onto the subframe with the short spacers?

[Haystack]

Just a tip I learned today.. E36 rack, IE steering guibo. Akg kit. I was having a hell of a time getting my knuckle back on the spline. Engine in the car.

I'm by myself.. I stuck a flat head to slightly open the spines on the knuckle, wiggled it on about a quarter of an inch. Once it was on there and straight, I didn't want to use a BFH or block of wood against the entire rack. I figured any sort of force would be absorbed through the guibo or the rest of the knuckle. I removed the drivers side motor mount arm, then grabbed the handle of my jack.

Coated the end of the spline with antisieze, Set the handle right against the knuckle that needed to slide on and gave it a few wacks. Went right on easily. Slid the bolt through the subframe tabs and spacer, no adjustment needed. Once it goes in as far as it can, the holes line up.


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[MC Hammered]

Has anyone else compared the feel between an e36 vs e46 rack?

I have both and find the e46 rack feels heavier to turn compared to the e36 rack, so I am wondering if the e46 rack is supposed to feel this way or not when driving.

[JinormusJ]

The rack has a larger ratio; if you want to maintain a softer feel as you upgrade your rack, you have to upgrade your power-steering pump aswell.

[MC Hammered]

I was not wanting to match the e36 softer feel, I wanted to confirm the e46 rack feels heavier as I prefer it.

[the imitator]

If I want a heavier feel in my z3 rack, couldn't one possibly find a larger diameter pulley, thus less pressure, giving a heavier feel.

[Wanganstyle]

I was not wanting to match the e36 softer feel, I wanted to confirm the e46 rack feels heavier as I prefer it.

to confirm your thoughts

I put a e46m rack in my e36m. It's heavier feeling with e36m pump and I like the heavier feeling.

[JPM_MRED_]

If I want a heavier feel in my z3 rack, couldn't one possibly find a larger diameter pulley, thus less pressure, giving a heavier feel.

I think you would need to change the pressure relief spring to make a big notice. At nearly anything over idle, a lot of fluid is recirculated through that pressure relief valve...

[iwantspeed]

I made a small batch of e36 steering rack spacers
send me a pm if interested

[CLM21]

Where is everyone picking up their e36 racks from? Went on bmaparts looking for one, and its very ambiguous.

http://www.bmaparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=&makeid=bmw%40%40BMW&yearid=1996%40%401996&modelid=z3%40%40Z3&pttypeid=rack-and-pinion-complete-unit@@Rack+and+Pinion+Complete+Unit&mode=PA

Looks like they have 2 Z3 maval rebuilt racks that are the exact same for different prices?? Confusing....

[the imitator]

Where is everyone picking up their e36 racks from? Went on bmaparts looking for one, and its very ambiguous.

I surf multiple bmw sites along with ebay, and request parts numbers through messages.

[JinormusJ]

I doubt it
This is still a pretty popular upgrade

I bought mine from AKG

http://www.harrisonmotorsports.com/kit-to-install-e36-rack-and-pinion-into-an-e30.html

[CLM21]

Doesnt e30tech also sell spacers?

[SterlingMetE30]

Item - BMW Part Number - Qty - Price[/b][/u]

7/16 Bolt 2 Inches Long - - xxxxxxxxxxxx - - - - -x2 - - -$???
Bolt M10x50 - - - - - - - - - 26111226737 - - - - - x2 - - -$2.70
Copper Seals 14x20 - - - - -32411093596 - - - - -x4 - - -$0.68
Copper Seals 16x22 - - - - -32411093597 - - - - -x4 - - -$1.04
Power Steering Res. - - - - -32411097164 - - - - x1 - - -$19.50
High Pres. PS Hose - - - - - 32411141953 - - - - -x1 - - -$74.00
Nut - - - - - - - - - - - - - -72111977925 - - - - -x2 - - -$1.10
LP PS Return Hoses - - - - - xxxxxxxxxxx - - - - - x2 - - -$14.50

Do all of these parts need to be replaced? Just a curiosity.

[Kevinl]

So I am going to order the akg rack spacers should I get a poly steering guibo or not