How To Guide - E36 Steering Rack Swap

[Klug]

Just a follow up, ended up using the tie-rod separator to get it to wedge itself off...what a pain in the neck...now I can't wait to slide the thing back on...ugh

btw, There isn't any finished knuckle pictures of e30tech's hardware kit, so here's my finished product.

[ridingsupreme]

Sorry if this has been covered, sorry in advance for being a newb. I live by not fixing things that aren't broken. So my question is for a z3 rack conversion on my e30 do I really need to place all the ps hoses with the new rack? My originals are surprisingly still in great shape but the rack has taken a dump. I got lucky and got a granny's garage car. Only 134k on the dash. My theory is that a tighter ratio rack would have high hydraulic pressure requiring new lines but I'm a newb and not quite sure. Don't want to replace parts that still work fine.

I'm hoping to get away with merely swapping racks and modifying the steering knuckle. And obviously changing the fluid

[Klug]

Already removed the 13mm bolt from the end that clamps it down on the grooves

http://db.tt/cTRskzZg

[jeffnhiscars]

So i've searched this thread and google for quite a bit now. I cannot for the life of me remove the knuckle from the steering shaft. I have the split in the knuckle spread apart as much as possible and cannot seem to get it to drop. What techniques have you guys tried?

Also tried a slide hammer setup on the rack end but it only puts stress on the guibo.

You have to completely remove the bolt from the rack end as it locks in to a grove on the pinion shaft

[Klug]

So i've searched this thread and google for quite a bit now. I cannot for the life of me remove the knuckle from the steering shaft. I have the split in the knuckle spread apart as much as possible and cannot seem to get it to drop. What techniques have you guys tried?

Also tried a slide hammer setup on the rack end but it only puts stress on the guibo.

[jeffnhiscars]

I have all the parts and the adapter kit. Just need the steering shaft. I posted in the wtb last night and nothing as of yet. I figured out that BMW has redesigned the steering shaft, so a new one will not work

Have you checked the local bone yards ?

PS Ive asked a buddy of mine if he has one and will PM you if he does.

[Qik-BMW]

Ive done 2 swaps in the last 18 months (about to do a 3rd) on an 84, 87 & 89 (all non airbag) and thats the exact same knuckle on all of them. Go to a junk yard or post in the WTB section for a non airbag knuckle and you'll get one. The knuckle adaptor kit is about $25

You really do not want to know what a dealer is going to charge you for a new one.

I have all the parts and the adapter kit. Just need the steering shaft. I posted in the wtb last night and nothing as of yet. I figured out that BMW has redesigned the steering shaft, so a new one will not work

[jeffnhiscars]

Ive done 2 swaps in the last 18 months (about to do a 3rd) on an 84, 87 & 89 (all non airbag) and thats the exact same knuckle on all of them. Go to a junk yard or post in the WTB section for a non airbag knuckle and you'll get one. The knuckle adaptor kit is about $25

You really do not want to know what a dealer is going to charge you for a new one.

[Qik-BMW]

I did the same setup than chrisnxl185.

Someone please give me the part# to this steering shaft, or if anyone has a used one for sale. I need one ASAP.
Thanks

[Qik-BMW]

Please Help

Hey guys, I am trying to do this swap to my 1985 grey market 320i with Manuel steering non airbag. The problem I am having is finding a steering shaft that looks like the op's. I have had BMW fax me pictures and they find no steering shaft that looks like the ones on here that you install the spacers on which I think are non airbag shafts. BMW tells me that all e30 s 1985 and up have airbag. If anyone has one for sale or has a part #, or any other idea, please let me know.
Thanks in advance.

[jeffnhiscars]

FYI AKG has the e30>e36 rack adaptor kit on sale for $20@. I got 2 to my door for $45.75 shipped

[Varinn]

ummm NO I dont see how "flipping the line" will work and I just got out from under my car the line needs to be bent or it will hit the knuckle as you turn the wheel

Goose daily drives his car with that setup, so I'm sure it works. And I just did the 180* flip tonight on my own e36 rack swap and it works fine

[bastianshaw]

here's a pic that a fellow r3ver (nickname: Goose) took that demonstrates how to route a stock e30 HP line with a z3 rack - no bending of the fittings required, just flipped:

ummm NO I dont see how "flipping the line" will work and I just got out from under my car the line needs to be bent or it will hit the knuckle as you turn the wheel

[bastianshaw]

I would think that you will need the E36 high pressure line BUT I noticed when I was putting my rack in was that the old line was just as easy to have been adapted to the rack, maybe even easier.

I went with the E36 HP line because my E30 line was very old and I had already went through the trouble to purchase E36 HP line.

Ihave to disagree here get the e36 line

[MattBimmer]

Anyone know the torque spec for the M10X50 bolts that pass through the rack for the crossmember?

Gudentight

Nah jk tight but if using plastic spacers not so tight they crack.
Also taking the entire knuckle off isn't required for airbag cars but it definitely helps and BUY ANTI SEIZE!!!! It helps to slide the knuckle on while having the screwdriver wedged in the crack.