Light steering feel with a S62 swap....

[jevijavi]

Hello Guys! Its been a long while since Ive read this forum. I would like to hear any solutions that you guys might have.

I currently have a e30 m3 with a S62 engine. I had my old steering rack rebuilt locally. I think all they did was change the gaskets + seals. I have the s62 hydraulic pump and I also added a mini cooper intercooler to keep the hydraulic oil cool. Why? B/c after 15 minutes of driving the steering rack would get really hard and make sounds. So now with the intercooler the hydraulic pump works fine. No sounds or sudden stiffness of the steering rack. But the steering feel is way too light.....Any solutions to get a more weighted steering?

I have another issue with the steering rack. When I make 90 degree turns, I let go of the steering wheel to let it return to its center position. But it does not do so. Could changing the steering rack help for both problems? I was thinking of eventually getting a Z3 steering rack in good condition.

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

[F34R]

I have the 1.9 Z3 rack in mine(PS deleted), I love it. I know that is no help to your current situation.

[LJ851]

Check your toe settings, toe out will cause light/twitchy steering and lack of self centering.

[M-technik-3]

Does it still have the E30 M3 lines? If memory serves me there is a restrictor in the supply line to take out some of the over boosted feel. Or maybe the S62 pump has too much pressure for the E30 rack.

[CorvallisBMW]

Check your toe settings, toe out will cause light/twitchy steering and lack of self centering.

Does it still have the E30 M3 lines? If memory serves me there is a restrictor in the supply line to take out some of the over boosted feel. Or maybe the S62 pump has too much pressure for the E30 rack.

Both are very good ideas. My first guess is the S62 PS pump as well. If memory serves me right, the V8 e39 came with a steering box instead of a rack meaning the pump is configured for a totally different setup.

[nrubenstein]

My starting inclination would be to under drive the steering pump. You might also want to try popping it open and cutting down the spring for the bypass valve. This made a slight, but noticeable difference on my I6 swap car.

[jevijavi]

I have the 1.9 Z3 rack in mine(PS deleted), I love it. I know that is no help to your current situation.

It does not. But its an option. I guess for track and highways it would be great. But driving in the city would be a PITA

[jevijavi]

Check your toe settings, toe out will cause light/twitchy steering and lack of self centering.

I have a coil over suspension from ground control. I could play around with all those settings. This reminds that I still need to balance the car well at all corners.

[jevijavi]

Does it still have the E30 M3 lines? If memory serves me there is a restrictor in the supply line to take out some of the over boosted feel. Or maybe the S62 pump has too much pressure for the E30 rack.

No, it does not have the e30 m3 lines. Yeah i think it is overboosted...

[jevijavi]

Both are very good ideas. My first guess is the S62 PS pump as well. If memory serves me right, the V8 e39 came with a steering box instead of a rack meaning the pump is configured for a totally different setup.

the e39 m5 comes with a steering rack. But i agree that they are a totally different setup. So it makes senses that it is being overboosted.

[jevijavi]

My starting inclination would be to under drive the steering pump. You might also want to try popping it open and cutting down the spring for the bypass valve. This made a slight, but noticeable difference on my I6 swap car.

I have been told not to play around with the steering pump...

[jevijavi]

by the way Lorin.
that truck is cool. what is that?

[jevijavi]

Im thinking I should get a Z3 steering rack or e36. Try that out see how it works...Then maybe decide if I should restrict the pressure being aplied to the rack....

[LJ851]

by the way Lorin.
that truck is cool. what is that?

Thanks. It's a 1962 International Harvester Scout.

[M3 euro ltw]

the e39 m5 comes with a steering rack.

No, it does not.

It comes with a steering box. I really doubt that the pump that drives a steering box is going to have the same specifications for pressure as that for a steering rack.

I would put on an E30 PS pump or E36 pump to match your needs. You will need to be creative to mount it, but this is not too challenging. Or, use EPS from the Mini or if euro parts are easily available Corsa or Merc.