Steering knuckle and spline (z3 rack swap on 88 e30)

[NYCDelphin]

Hi all,

I have a question regarding the steering knuckle and steering rack and shaft by the firewall.
When reassembling, do I need to get the knuckle in the same groove it was in before?
I know its a silly question, but I want to get this correct.

[jbontke]

No the same groove necessarily, but the same orientation. Make sure the z3 rack is centered (mark the shaft and housing for reference), center the steering wheel, then connect the knuckle to the steering shaft as best possible without turning the rack or steering wheel. I have done a few this way with no issues.

[NYCDelphin]

thanks jbontke !
i was able to get it in fairly good.

have some new issues now...
groaning and vibration when turning wheel.

[jbontke]

thanks jbontke !
i was able to get it in fairly good.

have some new issues now...
groaning and vibration when turning wheel.

It sounds like you have air in the system. The vibration is the pump engaging/disengaging as it moves air and not fluid.

[NYCDelphin]

turned out to be a few things lol.
I replaced the Chase Bay high pressure line with the OEM one and bent it by hand slightly and the loud vibration groaning was gone.
Just slight vibration after which turned out to be a lose connection.
All is well now...

[jbontke]

turned out to be a few things lol.
I replaced the Chase Bay high pressure line with the OEM one and bent it by hand slightly and the loud vibration groaning was gone.
Just slight vibration after which turned out to be a lose connection.
All is well now...

Interesting, so the chasebay line was causing the issue. You contact them about the issue?

[NYCDelphin]

I did.
They offered to make a custom length for that high pressure line and shipped it out.
I am holding it for now. The OEM line is good for now and I don't feel like swapping it out now.
They were pretty helpful once i was able to identify the issue.