Can you do the e36 steering rack swap using all old lines?

[Lof8]

I was reading through the e36 steering rack swap DIY and it seems that it can be done using all existing e30 lines (both high pressure and low pressure). Has anyone done this? It seems all I really need is the e36 rack, a modified knuckle, some spacers for the rack, and probably some new crush washers. Any input on this?

I also plan to reuse my e30 tie rods. Will I need to get an alignment after the swap or will the specs be the same?

thanks guys

[gearheadE30]

I did the swap on my airbag car using all of the stock lines. It should be the same for the non-airbag car. You will need the knuckle, spacers, crush washers, and lock plates for the rack. It would probably be fine to reuse them, but I wouldn't risk it. These plates bend over the flats on the inner tierod to secure them.

E30 tierods work; you need e36 lockplates. I would still recommend an alignment, although it probably wouldnt be off by too much.

[Lof8]

beautiful. thanks a lot.

[Jordan325iC]

You can use e30 or e36 lockplates. I used e30 lockplates because they were only 50 cents compared to $5 for the e36 ones.

+1 on e30 or e36 tierods. Either will work, but be aware that you will need the entire assembly (inner and outer), as the assembly is different between the two. For example, e30 tierod ends won't work with e36 inner tierods.

[Lof8]

Anybody have a part number for the locking plates? I'm having a hard time finding those.


nevermind, I found some at bma parts

[gearheadE30]

Either 32-11-1-140-464-M9 or 32-11-1-136-526-M9 on Pelicanparts.com depending on the style of the rack.

[Lof8]

Either 32-11-1-140-464-M9 or 32-11-1-136-526-M9 on Pelicanparts.com depending on the style of the rack.

style of the rack? what are the differences? I ordered some e30 tabs. Is there a chance that these won't work? I have a '97 m3 rack

[gearheadE30]

I think there were 2 different types of racks, or else there were 2 different typed of inner tie rods. Most of them use the first part number; conveniently the more expensive of the two. E30 tabs should work fine, but they arent keyed like the e36 ones iirc. Its been almost a year since I did the swap the first time.

[500ke30]

I used my existing e30 lines with e30 tie rods. Lock plates......I've been living on the edge for a long time. I can't remember the last time I had lock plates installed. But you should do the right....lock plates are cheap.

[Quailane]

I think there were 2 different types of racks, or else there were 2 different typed of inner tie rods. Most of them use the first part number; conveniently the more expensive of the two. E30 tabs should work fine, but they arent keyed like the e36 ones iirc. Its been almost a year since I did the swap the first time.

PLEASE DON'T LISTEN TO THIS GUY! You can use any lock tabs. They were a slightly different diameter on my E30 and E36, and that was the ONLY difference, although either will work in both applications. I forget which ones I used on my E36 rack.