Steering Rack Replacement

[Amarak]

On a 1989 325i, I am trying to replace the leaking steering rack with one I got from Joe Funk (Thanks again, Joe).

I have everything removed from the rack, but cannot get the rack out from the mount. It hits the oil pan, left hand engine mount, etc. Is there some secret I should know about doing this?

The book says simply to remove the lines, end links, bolts, universal joint and remove the rack. Mostly it was that simple, but the rack removal part just kind of stopped everything. Anyone have anything? Thank you.

-Shawn

[Jean]

Maybe your engine mounts are shot/worn, try raising the engine up with a jack?

[Amarak]

Maybe your engine mounts are shot/worn, try raising the engine up with a jack?

Where would I place the jack to avoid damage?

Thanks for the idea. Would be a great time to replace the mounts if that is the problem. I take it there should be more room?

[jmarch]

You have to lift the engine or drop the subframe. DO NOT give in to the temptation to bend the metal tabs on the subframe.

[Amarak]

You have to lift the engine or drop the subframe. DO NOT give in to the temptation to bend the metal tabs on the subframe.

Nice to know that it was not just my idea, then :D I did resist that idea, even after getting really frustrated and finally just walking away.

[Jordan325iC]

You can disconnect the motor mounts (or maybe just loosen the nuts if you don't have to raise the engine too far), and jack the motor up slowly from the oilpan with a piece of wood. That should give you enough room to remove the steering rack.

Or if you're not comfortable jacking up the oilpan, you could disconnect the motor mounts and jack the engine up by the transmission bellhousing.

[Amarak]

You can disconnect the motor mounts (or maybe just loosen the nuts if you don't have to raise the engine too far), and jack the motor up slowly from the oilpan with a piece of wood. That should give you enough room to remove the steering rack.

Or if you're not comfortable jacking up the oilpan, you could disconnect the motor mounts and jack the engine up by the transmission bellhousing.

Thank you all very much. I will try this tomorrow morning. I appreciate the help. Should make the whole job a lot easier.