Mod Power Steering

[e30Matt]

"1.84kg" says the ETK... about 4 pounds.

[MattM20]

is the power steering fluid also used to lubricate the steering rack without power assist? ive got my first track day comming up in a week and i'm worried that i wont be let on the track with a leaking steering rack, so i was considering draining the fluid and disabling the power assist. i'm not too worried about hurting my steering rack since i'm getting it replaced very shortly, i just dont want my steering rack gears to lock up on me at any time

Haven't you had the car teched yet?

They'll tell you whether or not it would pass. Is it actually leaking, or just oozing out of older hoses? An actual leak (one that requires regular refills) would be an issue, the normal seeping and oozing of old hoses won't get you flagged usually, mine aren't in the best of shape, but I haven't been called on it yet. No big deal, I'm replacing them this summer anyway.

-Charlie

no, i need to have tech inspect it before the let me on the track though. its only leaking from the drivers side steering rack boot, but its very noticeable, especially when the car is on a lift and the tie rods are angling towards the ground

[Rob]

so much for the weight savings, i'll just take a dump....

[elemental]

What ever about the weight, dose the PS fluid lube the rack. should it be left full or just sealed,, still up in the air going to pull the belt check it out,..

[MattM20]

What ever about the weight, dose the PS fluid lube the rack. should it be left full or just sealed,, still up in the air going to pull the belt check it out,..

bump

[george graves]

Car and driver's only complaint of the e30 m3 (if I remember right) was that it had too much assist...

[Rob]

car and driver also calls an e46 325 'sporty' :P

[decay]

Screw that dump the PS rack for a simple manual rack. Then you won't have any worries about it.

i remember reading somewhere that all e30s had power steering... was that wrong? does it only apply to US-market cars?

[Brew]

was that wrong? does it only apply to US-market cars?

Indeed.

[decay]

Indeed.

for clarification, that's yes to both, meaning i'd have to source a manual rack from overseas if i wanted one?

[Nate325ic]

for those who think they have to much assist you must've never driven any other power assist equiped cars, I think the e30 is perfect

[Brew]

Indeed.

for clarification, that's yes to both, meaning i'd have to source a manual rack from overseas if i wanted one?

Yeah. Talk to Greg (m-technik-3). He can probably hook you up. I'm planning on getting one at some point.

[decay]

Yeah. Talk to Greg (m-technik-3). He can probably hook you up. I'm planning on getting one at some point.

thanks for the lead- if i decide i really don't like how an unpowered rack feels, i'll follow up :)

[eliasmavs99]

I did it on two cars. On the 318, the steering stiffened a little but its still very managable. On my 325i, after taking it off, it was really stiff at low speeds (<10MPH). Just think of it as a work out for your arms. I would recommend it because it frees up some power.

[elemental]

Well the belt came off this after noon, at first impression I like it alot! more feedback all around,. steering style is going to change abit I think!