How To Guide - E36 Steering Rack Swap

[SoEm0]

Yeah, I am ordering some new e36 tie rods. Just needed to know how to tell if its centered.

[george graves]

There are two types of locking plates BTW - you need to match it to your rack. I havne't installed mine yet - But I'll try to snap some pics.

[der affe]

The E36 ones have a reinforcement plate on the back side. The E30 ones do not.

[Jand3rson]

What if you're using the E36 rack and E30 tie rods? I used E30 locking plates. We're talking about the big copper plates with a little notch in them, that you hammer down onto the flat parts of the inner tie rod end, right?

[Danny]

What if you're using the E36 rack and E30 tie rods? I used E30 locking plates. We're talking about the big copper plates with a little notch in them, that you hammer down onto the flat parts of the inner tie rod end, right?

Same question. Can I use e36 locking plates with e30 tie rods?

[87e30]

What if you're using the E36 rack and E30 tie rods? I used E30 locking plates. We're talking about the big copper plates with a little notch in them, that you hammer down onto the flat parts of the inner tie rod end, right?

Yes, and you're good.

[87e30]

I think I use e30 plates with e30 tie rods.

Don't know if e36 work.

[drinaldis]

Just got my reman (Mavel) rack from BMA (ordered bmw p/n 32131095575). Rack make 3.2 turns L to L. Did I get the wrong rack? I wanted the 2.7 Turn L to L rack.

[der affe]

The problem with the locking plates is not with the tie rods, but the rack itself. If you use the E36 rack, you need to use the E36 locking plates, not the E30 locking plates.

[87e30]

The problem with the locking plates is not with the tie rods, but the rack itself. If you use the E36 rack, you need to use the E36 locking plates, not the E30 locking plates.

Good to know, I said it wrong up above then. Could have sworn I used e30 plates on my e36 rack.

[drinaldis]

I used e30 plates with my e36 rack.

[m32go]

Got my E36 rack on the way (97 328i) with hp line included:up:. Also ordered my new reservoir and picking up the crush washers at the dealer in the next couple days. Still need to get the spacers for the rack (airbag car...92 aw on card vert).

Just so I am clear (as mud) I can re-use the E30 tie rods without anything special and I also can use a dremel to cut the crimped fittings on the low pressure lines so I can get new lines but re-use the fittings.

I guess I will just wait and see how everything lines up going through the firewall before i start making any changes up there. Seems like some fit and some require a bit of modding. (Fingers crossed for no mods required).

Last thing is, do I need these locking plates? If so, I was looking a Turner and all I see is a stop kit and an alignment tool. Can someone point me in the right direction.

One more...if there is anyone in SoCal Inland Empire (Menifee - Sun City) area that wants to assist with this for free pizza and beer.:drink: I would be more than willing to accept the assistance.

[Wh33lhop]

Good to know, I said it wrong up above then. Could have sworn I used e30 plates on my e36 rack.

You may have, it does not guarantee failure. However if I were you I would keep an eye on them (or probably just replace them with E36 ones--it's not worth the headache).

[Todd Black 88]

My z3 rack didnt have any lock plates in them. Is this normal for the z3 non m rack? Both i have seen were this way.

[Roland H]

My z3 rack didnt have any lock plates in them. Is this normal for the z3 non m rack? Both i have seen were this way.

yes, its normal.