Z3 Steering Rack... why no feedback?

[j0oftheworld]

Check the toe.. 0 to 1/8th" out, total, will be nice! ;)

[Brandon12V]

So I just wanted to update you all that the issue is fixed. After all was said and done, we found out the inner rods had push outers enough to angle out at:

+3.2 Degrees toe out on passenger side
+3.4 Degrees toe out on driver side

A diferrence of over 6 degrees!!! wow, lol. Toe got put back to +/-0. They didn't charge me anything to hop back on the lift for a few so I was happy. :) Thanks again mofos.

[george graves]

That's ok. When I did my suspension, I eye-balled the front alignment and drove it for a few days before my appointment to get it aligned.

I really spent a lot of time eye-balling my front wheels when I did the install, and I was damn sure that I had about 1/8" of toe....I knew just by looking that I had done a fantastic job (visually, it actually drove really poorly) I was patting myself on the back.

Anyways, the tech put it up on the rack, and I had about 1 1/4" of toe in. Ummm. Yea. :/

[Heysüß]

From the Valvoline website:


Tighten Up

While it is recommended that service procedures be followed, the general procedure for rack and pinion preload adjustment is universal. Inspecting the boots, tie rods, and the steering rack for excessive wear is a safe bet when it comes time to adjust the steering rack. Some rack-and-pinion steering systems are manual, but most are of the power-assisted variety. If power steering fluid is leaking from the boots or pinion housing, the seals have likely failed. As specialized tools and skills are required to restore these seals, outright replacement of the steering rack is the best option.

If all is well then adjusting rack and pinion preload is a snap.
The key point is to never over-tighten the assembly. Excessive preload will cause rapid wear and can result in dangerous binding. Any tight spots in the steering travel indicate that the preload is too great. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock before beginning the procedure to get a feel for free travel. Since most vehicles spend their time traveling in a mostly straight line, turn the wheel slightly off center before adjustment in order to get the rack out of the highest wear area. If excessive slack cannot be removed by adjusting preload, the steering rack or tie rod ends will likely need replacement.

more info on this whole adjusting rack and pinion preload pleeeease. Thanks!

[Heysüß]

I'm assuming this is the bolt correct?

[Brandon12V]

Yes, thats the bolt. PM E30orDie on e30tech. I know he has done it.

[Heysüß]

Yes, thats the bolt. PM E30orDie on e30tech. I know he has done it.

thanks mate

[Sagaris]

more info on this whole adjusting rack and pinion preload pleeeease. Thanks!

The way I understand it is you are adjusting how tightly the rack and pinion mesh, too loose and there will be slack as the teeth have freeplay before they make contact and too stiff and the rack wears out quickly and doesnt return to center well. I have tried it on an audi, it works.

[Brandon12V]

The way I understand it is you are adjusting how tightly the rack and pinion mesh, too loose and there will be slack as the teeth have freeplay before they make contact and too stiff and the rack wears out quickly and doesnt return to center well. I have tried it on an audi, it works.

Mechanical term= lash? Correct?

[Sagaris]

Yes, lash I believe would be the correct term.

[87e30]

Maybe this would make the steering wheel take a little bit more effort, which would be nice. I wonder if it is common for it to come loose, or if it has gone untouched if it will behave as new. Would love to know more.

[Heysüß]

Maybe this would make the steering wheel take a little bit more effort, which would be nice. I wonder if it is common for it to come loose, or if it has gone untouched if it will behave as new. Would love to know more.

+1

I REALLY REALLY want this to be the cause of my initial small amount of play, along with maybe replacing just the steering coupler (flex disk). I have the new tie rods sitting here but if this fixes it, I'd be so much happier.