power steering question

[vr2jetta]

Is it possible to change the seals in my power steering rack or do I have to buy a whole new rack? 1990 325i, stock rack. I know, I know, wrong section, but this section seems to have more viewers. Thanks!

[TheB1G Lebowski]

Rebuilding a rack would be more time consuming and prob more expensive than replacing it as a whole unit. I would think the seals would be hard to find and expensive. Mine is leaking too, but through the passenger side boot. But the leak hasnt been too bad, a lil splash of p/s fluid once every week, week and a half. Me if it isnt leaking bad i would let it ride for a lil while.

[vr2jetta]

Rebuilding a rack would be more time consuming and prob more expensive than replacing it as a whole unit. I would think the seals would be hard to find and expensive. Mine is leaking too, but through the passenger side boot. But the leak hasnt been too bad, a lil splash of p/s fluid once every week, week and a half. Me if it isnt leaking bad i would let it ride for a lil while.

Mine is leaking through the passenger side too, but POURING out the boot. I would fill the resevior, and after 2 or 3 turns it will be empty. I can see a trail of fluid when I drive after I fill it. I wouldnt know where to get the seals either, or how to change them. I was thinking/hoping they would pop it and out like a front/rear main seal but I am not sure, never did one before.

[TheB1G Lebowski]

The seals on the rack wouldnt need servicing seal wise, its basically shot and needs to be replaced. For the time being until you can replace the whole unit get a new boot to at least contain the fluid so it wont be leaking. I tried using black silicon to patch it up but wasnt too successful with it holding well.

[vr2jetta]

I cleaned the lines going to the rack to see if it was one of them only to find out it was coming from the boot. I removed to boot and it poured out!! So I said "fuck it" and put the boot back on with a hose clamp.

[TheB1G Lebowski]

So its still leaking with a good boot and a clamp?

[TheB1G Lebowski]

Heres a sweet DIY on replacing the e30 with a e36 rack. Gives you a better turn to lock ratio. http://r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=66247

[vr2jetta]

So its still leaking with a good boot and a clamp?

Not sure, just did it and havent driven it yet.

[TheB1G Lebowski]

Ok i would have to say it would contain the leak.

[5KWattson]

I cleaned the lines going to the rack to see if it was one of them only to find out it was coming from the boot. I removed to boot and it poured out!! So I said "fuck it" and put the boot back on with a hose clamp.

[vr2jetta]

Ummmmm, what am I supposed to do?!

[bostonbmw]

Rebuilding a rack would be more time consuming and prob more expensive than replacing it as a whole unit. I would think the seals would be hard to find and expensive. Mine is leaking too, but through the passenger side boot. But the leak hasnt been too bad, a lil splash of p/s fluid once every week, week and a half. Me if it isnt leaking bad i would let it ride for a lil while.

Its not that hard or expensive to rebuild the steering rack. If you search on roadfly there is a guide that someone posted.

[RoDo]

Ummmmm, what am I supposed to do?!

I would just remove the power steering belt until you are either able to fix the leak, replace the rack, or decide you don't need power steering any more. ;)

[TheB1G Lebowski]

Its not that hard or expensive to rebuild the steering rack. If you search on roadfly there is a guide that someone posted.

Thats good to know, seems like i may have a project in the near future.

[vr2jetta]

OK, did some research and found the following.

Rebuilt steering rack:

http://www.discountsteering.com/addtocart/1990_BMW/325/Power_Steering_Rack/80-00519.html

Steering rack rebuild kit:

http://www.bmaparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1990-BMW-3--5i--/--L6--494cc--.5l--Gas--Fi--m--0--15---Front--End--/--Suspension--Steering&yearid=1990%40%401990&makeid=BMW%40%40BMW%40%40X&engineid=1011700%40%40325I++%2F+L6-2494cc+2.5L+GAS+FI++(M20)+152%40%40325I&catid=Front+End+%2F+Suspension+%26+Steering%40%40Front+End+%2F+Suspension+%26+Steering&subcatid=Rack+%26+Pinion+Seal+Kit@@Rack+%26+Pinion+Seal+Kit&mode=PA

Steering rack rebuild writeup:

http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/bmw/bmw-3-series-e30/forum.php?postid=3910507&page=1

I hope the links work, and your steering rack after the repair! LOL!