any ix rack rebuild experience out there?

[Stabmasterflex]

Ive ordered and received the rebuild kit. I removed the rack and began the teardown. All info i have found doesnt relate to the ix rack, has anyone found some or can point me to a diy? Thanks.

[supernaughtIX]

if you find info on rebuilding an e30 rack, its basically the same. Just a ZF power steering rack. I had a PDF for rebuilding once, but have since lost it. Good luck. My only advice is keep everything clean clean clean

[Stabmasterflex]

Problem is its actually quite different from a regular e30. I need to remove the pinion and crack open the tubes but im at that stage that i dont know if more force is needed or i needed to remove something!

[supernaughtIX]

why is it quite different? aside from the body(housing), its a rack, pinion, some seals and shims. Fundamentally the same. Can you explain a bit more what point you are at, or post some pics?

Honestly, unless you have experience rebuilding racks or have the disposable time and cash to learn on, it's normally advisable to send it off to get rebuilt or buy a used or reman one.
There are likely a dozen or so available used on the forums that are in the $80-150 price range.

[Stabmasterflex]

Well lets just say canadians get a sh!t deal when it comes to ordering stuff. I ordered a rack. Two days later the rack doctor sent my money back and said no orders to canada. Im sure youve had a similar experience. Anyhow ive been an auto tech for over 10 yrs. Yeah plenty of disposable time. Seriously, whos driving their e30 as there only car? I used another resource and got the pinion out. It just "slides out" after tapping it with a hammer! Now im taking apart the tubes. Should be home free now. I have bmw's actual repair instructions now and some special tools. Thanks for the response, i agree with you.

[qbuilt]

This guy is LEGIT!! And good Lookn!!

[Stabmasterflex]

Damn right!
Oh and I got it done and so far no leaks. Works good. Actually don't really need any special tools. But they help.

[supernaughtIX]

good work. Any special notes on disassembly or assembly that should be noted if someone came across this thread?

[Stabmasterflex]

Yeah.
1)i had to tap the main bearing for the pinion to get the pinion out. I didnt take out the bottom cap. It feels like its being held by something but its not.
2) the tubes are held in by these collar rings. They are standard thread not reverse.
3) mark and take pics of everything as you take it apart. You dont even need instructions if you document the teardown.
4) lining up the two mounts can be tricky when tightening the collar rings. But can be done with just a bench vise.

Seems scary to take on this job but just take your time and be careful with the hard white squared o-ring/seals. They do stretch a little. Youll be shocked at how many seals and rings are in there.

[fannman]

Does this help tighten up the rack? Mine is starting to get loose where it connects to the knuckles or it has play I should say. Every time I hit bumps or train tracks it leaves a jolt in the wheel and when I grab the knuckles from underneath the car the wiggle a little. Wondering if the kit you got would fix that?

[nando]

You have pics of the rack you'd like to post?

[supernaughtIX]

Does this help tighten up the rack? Mine is starting to get loose where it connects to the knuckles or it has play I should say. Every time I hit bumps or train tracks it leaves a jolt in the wheel and when I grab the knuckles from underneath the car the wiggle a little. Wondering if the kit you got would fix that?

The kit he has used is for leaks. What youve got is more likely bad tierod ends. Play in the steering or jolting is usually bad outer or inner ends. Next is a bad steering flex joint, but your problem sounds like bad ends. Some online places sell them cheap, but ee're not sure if the cheap ones last long

[Stabmasterflex]

Correct, this doesnt do anything to make the rack/steering tighter. And since I never had any power steering and I also made a front shock bump stop mod when I did this, I cant say i'd really notice a difference. I took some pics, I'll try posting some later.