trouble shoot steering rack.

[///M42 sport]

A question about my steering rack. Sometimes when I turn, it feels like the the gears are caught up on something so it gets stuck momentarily. Its also real noisy when turning. Does this mean my steering rack is about to go out?

whats a good upgrade? I remember m3ryan upgrading to a m3 rack. was it a e30 or e36 m3? also how easy is this to do yourself? I've done TB belts before, and suspension work.

[Digitalwave]

Think about it. Ryan has an E30 M3. How would it be an upgrade going to an E30 M3 rack? ;) It's an E36 M3. It has fewer turns lock-to-lock, but its not just a drop in upgrade.

Have you checked your power steering fluid level?

[///M42 sport]

Well I'm glad somebodies using thier noggin.

yeah, I'm not losing any fluid. The only notice this problem when its cold.

[arsevader]

Well I'm glad somebodies using thier noggin.

yeah, I'm not losing any fluid. The only notice this problem when its cold.

Noise is related to fluid level and/or age.

Stickyness when cold is more likely to be the tie-rod balljoints.

James

[///M42 sport]

tie rod ball joints can be replaced right? is there an upgrade for these?

[arsevader]

tie rod ball joints can be replaced right? is there an upgrade for these?

They are replaced when you replace the tie-rod/end. There are no real upgrades per se. I highly recomend you buy Lemforder brand suspension parts.

James

[E30 Wagen]

maybe you just need a complete power steering flush to get rid of the smelly old fluid? I was having similar problems with resistance to turning, although it never got stuck, but was very noisy. It solved my problem though. Sorry if it does diagnose your particular problem/

[///M42 sport]

thanks, I'll try to flush it this weekend.

[///M42 sport]

Turns out the powersteering pump is out. Everything else is fine. So for future reference, if the steering wheel is sticky and feels like the gears are getting caught on something and theres no leaks in the system, consider the powersteering pump.

[Jordan]

Drain your fluid, and replace the res with a NEW one. The filter is built into the bottom of it and does require maintainance (which is completed by renewing the whole unit)

Put fresh fluid in, and done.

It's very rare for PS pumps to just give up on life. The centrifical pump splines last a LONG time.

[///M42 sport]

I WAS driving around for about a year with this problem. Do you think the pump is still OK?

[madjurgen]

I am having the exact same problem. It feels like it gets caught up momentarily and then re-engages. I thought my steering rack was fucked and was dreading replacing. Do i need power steering fluid from the dealer or can i get it elsewhere(cheaper)?

[Digitalwave]

I am having the exact same problem. It feels like it gets caught up momentarily and then re-engages. I thought my steering rack was fucked and was dreading replacing. Do i need power steering fluid from the dealer or can i get it elsewhere(cheaper)?

You are supposed to use Automatic Tranny Fluid, not power steering fluid. Just buy some from the local auto parts store.

[Alecs MacDonald]

You are supposed to use Automatic Tranny Fluid, not power steering fluid. Just buy some from the local auto parts store.

Yep, all the dealers I have talked to tell me to use Dexron ATF. FWIW, I have redline powersteering fluid in my car and I cant tell a difference.

[///M42 sport]

I got some mobil one synthetic atf and drained the old fluid.