E36 rack install with PS delete, can I drop it in dry?

[BrandC]

I am deleting the PS on my 318is track rat, and I'm about to drop in a '95 M3 steering rack.

I don't think it's a good idea to install the E36 rack without any fluid, but I do not want to hook up my PS again. Can I run the rack "dry" without it dying too fast?

TIA R3V folks.

[erik325i]

I wouldn't install it dry. I've heard of people packing in as much grease as possible then capping it off. Might want to give that a try.

-Erik

[BrandC]

I wouldn't install it dry. I've heard of people packing in as much grease as possible then capping it off. Might want to give that a try.

-Erik

Thanks Erik. Are we talking wheel bearing grease? That won't obstruct the movement of the gears inside?

What I originally wanted to do was hook the E36 rack up to my PS and just get the fluid in there, then disconnect it, and cap it off with whatever fluid was in there. But I was wondering if there are less messier options?

[erik325i]

Thanks Erik. Are we talking wheel bearing grease? That won't obstruct the movement of the gears inside?

What I originally wanted to do was hook the E36 rack up to my PS and just get the fluid in there, then disconnect it, and cap it off with whatever fluid was in there. But I was wondering if there are less messier options?

I haven't done it, just heard about people doing it, so I'm not sure exactly what type of grease people have used.

-Erik

[jlevie]

An option I like is to connect the supply and return lines from the rack to the PS fluid reservoir, bypassing the pump. That provides fluid to keep the rack lubricated and provides expansion room for the fluid. There's no pressure involved so plain hose and clamps are all that's needed

[Farbin Kaiber]

An option I like is to connect the supply and return lines from the rack to the PS fluid reservoir, bypassing the pump. That provides fluid to keep the rack lubricated and provides expansion room for the fluid. There's no pressure involved so plain hose and clamps are all that's needed

That's a bright idea. I will have to do this.

[ldsbeaker]

I like this idea as well.

[atomic]

A buddy of mine put a SC on his m20 and had to delete the PS pump to make room for the SC. He drained some fluid out of the rack and capped it off. He left enough fluid in there to lubricate the rack but allowed room for it to expand. He had no problems other than in parking lots it being a PITA to turn.

[BrandC]

A buddy of mine put a SC on his m20 and had to delete the PS pump to make room for the SC. He drained some fluid out of the rack and capped it off. He left enough fluid in there to lubricate the rack but allowed room for it to expand. He had no problems other than in parking lots it being a PITA to turn.

Atomic, what do you mean "left room for it to expand"? Do you mean he left some vent open for the small pressure build up to be relieved?

I was thinking of just doing that, lubricating the rack with enough fluid and leaving it in there. I just wanted a cleaner alternative is all.

[SamuraiSam]

I don't know if this is "the way to do it" on the E36, but on MANY different cars people will loop the lines together using regular hose (hydraulic hose, fuel hose, whatever) as opposed to connecting them to a reservoir, as there is little aeration or expansion in a power steering system besides the pump.

[IceStationZebra]

I usually will loop the line back. It wont last to long being dry. If you can fill it up with as much fluid as it can hold and then cap it. When you turn it will be a little harder to turn, but you will be just moving that fluid without any help.

[e304me]

you guys know the pinion gear and rack arent lubbed by the fluid, right?

[backtrail69]

you guys know the pinion gear and rack arent lubbed by the fluid, right?

ATF is a poor lubricant, but it does serve as a lubricant in that purpose. Metal on metal is no good.

[BrewCity11]

Without starting a new thread, anyone have anything to add?

My stock E30 rack is leaking so i will be ordering a reman rack shortly. I will also be deleting the p.s. setup.

Thoughts on just using oil as opposed to ATF?

[atomic]

Atomic, what do you mean "left room for it to expand"? Do you mean he left some vent open for the small pressure build up to be relieved?

I was thinking of just doing that, lubricating the rack with enough fluid and leaving it in there. I just wanted a cleaner alternative is all.

He topped off the rack with fluid and then drained off just a bit of it (90% full). That way if it built fluid pressure up that it would not expand and blow a seal or leak past his cap offed areas.


Here is a link as to why he deleted the PS (look at picture). Maybe you can drop him a post and he can further detail what he did, if needed.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=1005760&postcount=1