Steering Rack Install!

[mmire30]

Hey guys, so today a friend and i finished installing an e30 M3 rack and pinion into my 87 iS! Before getting the spline into the steering coupler, i made sure the steering wheel was straight. We also made sure the the rack/tie rods was/were even before putting it into place. When i took the car out for a spin, the steering wheel was off by about 90 degrees couterclockwisre when going straight.

My question is that is it possible to put the the spline on in the wrong position? If not, if i get my alignment done, will it fix the problem? Thanks in advance guys!

[e304me]

no if the spline is on wrong an alignment wont fix it

[mmire30]

How do i know the spline is on wrong?

[jlevie]

The correct process is to center the rack by measuring the extension of the rack rods on each side (with the bellows off), center the steering wheel, and connect the spline. Then adjust the tie rods so the wheels are parallel and follow that with alignment.

[88schwarz]

Is is it necessary to center the rack (by measuring the rack rods) if the new rack comes with the inner tie rod ends installed. I'm considering replacing my rack with a rebuilt one.