Rack and Pinion Leak

[qimis]

I noticed that last week my steering started acting weird, it makes moaning noise when I turn the wheel (especially in stop position). After I checked the power steering fluid tank, it's empty. Filled it out and it only last for about 20 km, depends how many turns I make.

So I had a chance to lift the car up and brought it to a mechanic. The passenger side protective boot is not clamped anymore on 1 side and the fluid came out from there. They said my rack and pinion is busted. I've checked the prices for this thing, it's wow .... the cost a fortune. I got this article off BMW E30 Network:


Power steering workaround

If your power steering develops a strong leak at the pump or steering rack when you turn the wheel and you are not in a position to have the car fixed but need to continue using it just remove the fan belt from the pump. Turning the wheel is heavy at full stop but manageable. At speed, the steering remains precise. I

Oscar Villadolid

Do you think I should bother doing that / just keep it as it is and keep adding up my power steering fluid. Is there a side effect / will it break something if I dont have the power steering fluid ? Thanks in advance !

[DanGillan]

i have a known working, non leaky 50k miles power steering rack for sale, $65 shipped in the US, let me know

[1985bmw325e]

my rack and pinion is totally busted and has the same symptoms. How much would it cost to get it replaced w/o labor? i heard it's pretty expensive

[Jand3rson]

my rack and pinion is totally busted and has the same symptoms. How much would it cost to get it replaced w/o labor? i heard it's pretty expensive

By Dan's and do it yourself = not expensive.

[qimis]

i got quoted for the labour around $260 (3.5 hrs labour) + tax and the parts itself around $680 (reconditioned) / $1000 (new) + tax. those prices are in canadian $. :shock:

[nando]

you can get a factory rebuilt steering rack for under $400 shipped from bmaparts. I think it's like $375 total (ground shipping is free, price is with R3v discount) and you get an $80 core charge refund when you send them your old rack.