How to tighten up steering?

[blacksport325]

I've driven a few e30's and mine is by far the worst in terms of steering. It feels like there is 'too much' power steering, its incredibly easy to move the wheel at low and high speeds, i'm looking to tighten it up a bit if thats possible. I have new tie rods, no PS leaks/noises, the steering knuckle and rubber 'doughnut' look good and don't make any noises either.

[LJ851]

Install E36 rack

[blacksport325]

Yeah, I was hoping to avoid that, I can get a rack fairly cheap but those hoses are what kills it, unless I can re-use my hoses from the e30...I think it's just somewhat weird my steering is too easy to turn, I was thinking of deleting the power steering, but I may regret that.

[LJ851]

I reused my stock e30 hoses. You only have to tweak them a little. What is your front toe set at? If you are towed out it is a lot easier to steer and less stable in a straight line at speed. E36 rack is really nice anyway, makes the car feel 10 years newer.

[CW325]

disconnect the ps belt and see if you like it befor you delete it

[bernzpeed]

Z3 rack

[blacksport325]

I reused my stock e30 hoses. You only have to tweak them a little. What is your front toe set at? If you are towed out it is a lot easier to steer and less stable in a straight line at speed. E36 rack is really nice anyway, makes the car feel 10 years newer.

My toe is a bit out of spec, I've been meaning to get an alignment again, just lazy, I didn't think this would affect turning stiffness too much, perhaps it's time to get an alignment. Thanks for the replies guys, i'll look into picking up an e36 rack if I can re-use my hoses. I know the local junkyard has some e36 318i's, I need to figure out if these are different than my current rack before I grab one.

[e30boarder]

replace your bushings with polyurethane... stiffened mine up a lot

[LJ851]

Another option would be to lower your tires air pressure 10 or 15 pounds.

[BrettsE30]

Steering guibo worn?

[immajackuup]

Steering guibo worn?

[blacksport325]

Looks like it's in good shape to me with no cracks or anything, I'm going to get an alignment this weekend hopefully, i'll let you know if bringing the toe into spec fixes it.

[Tu0cs]

I had your exact problem, the steering was quick and too light. I replaced my steering rack to the e36 one, and now my steering is heavier and more bmw like. Took me a week to install the new steering rack, but got it done!

[ubernasty]

Steering guibo worn?

your car looks a lot like mine. were you the guy i met at gutenfest?

[acolella76]

isn't there a little nut on the bottom of the rack he can tighten so there is more drag? or is that only on e36 racks