Sterring Rack Replacement Questions..

[RobertK]

I posted some time back in December when I was replacing my front suspension that the passenger side boot on the steering rack has some slight leakage.

Well now it's finally got to the point where I have to fill it up once a week so I guess it's time to replace it.

My questions are as follows:

It is easier to rebuild the one I have or replace it?

How hard is it to replace the steering rack?

Which steering rack is the best to use for nice tight steering? (ie. Z3, E36, E36 M3, E30, E30 M3, etc.)

And which brand is best (ie. Maval, ZF, etc.)

[chuckybob]

ive seen a 2 turn lock to lock steering column somewhere, the lowest stock one is a z3 at 2.4, i think.

[e304me]

do not rebuild your current one. The z3 rack is the shortest

[RobertK]

So in retrospect the Z3 would be the tightest. Do they swap out directly or do you have to retrofit the Z3 rack?

[rs4pro3]

you have to modify the steering knuckle a little, but the rack it self bolts right in.

[RobertK]

What is required to modify the knuckle?

[rs4pro3]

Grinding away some material here and there, On the E36 racks the input shaft is at a different angle, if you don't modify the universal joint it will bind up.

[erik325i]

do a search. it has been covered.

*you need to disassemble the steering linkage and add some spacers in there to shorten it.
*also need to use the e36 high pressure hose, and the ends need to bent in order to fit.

-Erik

[RobertK]

Anybody create a "How to" guide for this kinda of swap?

[browntown]

http://e30m3performance.com/installs...rack/index.htm Also has the link to the zionsville kit

[Garageaholic]

ive seen a 2 turn lock to lock steering column somewhere, the lowest stock one is a z3 at 2.4, i think.

correction:

the z3 rack is a 2.7 lock to lock


BUT my question is for this thread which has not been covered before, Will it affect the M30 conversion at all? considering that the clearance to the oil pan is so close to begin with.... Is it possible to do?

[DarkWing6]

Anybody create a "How to" guide for this kinda of swap?

I might one of these days, but coming from someone that did the 95 M3 rack. Go with the e30 M3. It is direct bolt up and still a great rack.

[e304me]

Its also not much of a difference from the stock e30 rack

[DarkWing6]

Its also not much of a difference from the stock e30 rack

The e30 M? It reduces the lock to lock over 1 turn.

[X2theZ3]

The e30 M? It reduces the lock to lock over 1 turn.

Well, definitely not over 1 turn since stock e30 rack is 4 turns and the e30 m is 3.5 turns lock to lock.