Where are you guys sourcing decent power steering racks?

[E30Kills]

Hey R3v,

Been a long time but I'm back again for more. On my 3rd E30 now - a 1991 318is.

Its a great machine but man, this power steering rack is killing me. Leaks, groans constantly, etc...

I've topped it off a few times but it seems to be getting worse. Unless someone knows a miracle cure I've been thinking of swapping the rack.

Ten years ago when I had my first E30 there were E36, Z3, E46 racks galore! Now I can only seem to find aftermarket racks with very questionable reviews.

There used to be a guy (RackDoctor.com I think?) who refurbished racks but I think he's gone now.

Anyone have some guidance one where I can source a have decent rack that won't fail 3 months after I install it?

Hell, I'm open to rebuilding the rack myself if I have too.....

[ZeKahr]

Hey R3v,

Been a long time but I'm back again for more. On my 3rd E30 now - a 1991 318is.

Its a great machine but man, this power steering rack is killing me. Leaks, groans constantly, etc...

I've topped it off a few times but it seems to be getting worse. Unless someone knows a miracle cure I've been thinking of swapping the rack.

Ten years ago when I had my first E30 there were E36, Z3, E46 racks galore! Now I can only seem to find aftermarket racks with very questionable reviews.

There used to be a guy (RackDoctor.com I think?) who refurbished racks but I think he's gone now.

Anyone have some guidance one where I can source a have decent rack and that won't fail 3 months after I install it?

Hell, I'm open to rebuilding the rack myself if I have too.....

Are the leaks and groans coming from the rack itself or from the PS pump and lines? If it’s the latter, your steering rack is most likely fine and you would benefit greatly from redoing the lines and PS pump. I’ve never heard of groaning noises coming from the steering rack itself, it’s usually from the PS pump caused by low fluid.

[E30Kills]

Are the leaks and groans coming from the rack itself or from the PS pump and lines? If it’s the latter, your steering rack is most likely fine and you would benefit greatly from redoing the lines and PS pump. I’ve never heard of groaning noises coming from the steering rack itself, it’s usually from the PS pump caused by low fluid.

Thanks for the advice - That might be the way to go. I'll check back if it works!

[PEZ2]

Depends on what you call decent. Rebuilt after market seemed to be less available today and used ( junkyard) e36 / e46 are not far behind. If your not opposed to a used rack e46 330i are still in junkyards. OEM e30 I ran across one the other day and passsed on it. I had a leaky system and it turned out to be the fill tank / line connection. Below is latest haul of 330i racks.