How To Guide - E36 Steering Rack Swap

[BruceJ]

Thanks for the writeup, just finished this mod. Its GREAT!!!!I installed a smaller diameter steering wheel at the same time and I luv it. I ordered a standard e36 rack but ended up with a 2.7 ratio.
No complaints. Pretty straightforward.
NOTES:
1. PAY attention to the HP hose install pic for orientation. Obviously it goes from pump to steering rack. It needed very little bending to attach to the rack in my case. Just enough so that the hose does not contact the engine block.
2. Otherwise regarding the HP hose to pump connection, once you have it fully threaded, rotate the hose so again it does not touch other hoses or anything else, then tighten it.
3. LP hoses - They have two different diameters. THE BIGGER diameter of the two goes to the Pump.
4. Tie rods re-install - tighten to 48 Ft-lbs.
5. Alignment - just get over it and spend the money to get it done immediately. It shouldn't take a competent mech more than 30 min and is well spent.

[SkiFree]

I haven't heard this info.

That's because it's a load of hooey. Haven't found one to be an issue stemming beyond issues stemming from a lack of understanding.

[3vilE30]

i just got my e36 rack w/ e30 inner tie rod (remanufactured) and AKG spacer.

anyone can chime in what tie rod i need to use? i have e30 M3 5lug swap the stock e30 it's long about 2". thank you

E30 inner matches up with E30 outer
E36 tie rods are female while E30 rods are male
You can't interchange the two

[e30lyf]

i just got my e36 rack w/ e30 inner tie rod (remanufactured) and AKG spacer.

anyone can chime in what tie rod i need to use? i have e30 M3 5lug swap the stock e30 it's long about 2". thank you

[efficient]

My Ireland engineering steering guibo fits good. The first version is thinner then the newer updated poly guibo, new home fits fine

[AwakenNoMore]

I thought the IE one didnt fit right or something

I haven't heard this info.

[Kevinl]

Yes or buy the Ireland Engineering version for less $$

I thought the IE one didnt fit right or something

[E30NJ]

I did this, hands down the best mod i've done so far.

[AwakenNoMore]

Yes or buy the Ireland Engineering version for less $$

[Kevinl]

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

[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.

[CLM21]

Doesnt e30tech also sell spacers?

[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

[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.

[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....