Help my buds

[Kevin_e30]

Hey guys I need a little help,I just recently replace a couple part in my front suspension its a 1989 BMW 325i, I wanted to make it run a bit smoother but Instead i got a little shake in the front and I can't seem to figure out the problem the car is aligned with new tires. I put new control arms with in and outer ball joints, new control arm bushing, new sway bar bushings, new stabilizer Bar link, added a camber plates in the front, I had a nasty camber wear.

I know it sound stupid but I ran the car for a couple months with my power steering pump leaking constantly, does that some how damage my rack and pinion? :neutral:

Can someone explain what is my problem. Please and thank u

[jlevie]

Is there any wear in the tie rods? Are the shocks in good condition? Are you using OE or equal hubcentric wheels? Are the tires balanced and the wheels not bent?

[jeffnhiscars]

I'm thinking low fluid would burn out the pump long before it caused rack damage.

[Kevin_e30]

To be honest I forgot how long ago I bought the tie rods. The shocks are a month old, but I think they are out again, Kyb sucks am upgrade to bilstein when I have the funds. The wheels are esm wheels and I don't think the wheels are bent I try to avoid big bumps and potholes.

[Kevin_e30]

I'm thinking low fluid would burn out the pump long before it caused rack damage.

To be honest when I tried putting fluid, it instantly leaks leaving the power steering pump empty. And I drove it like that I know stupid me, but should I replace the rack and pinion.

And what's a good site selling some.

[Delraco]

I did a complete front end refresh and still had a faint vibration in the steering wheel at speed.

Turns out the rough roads where I used to live caused one of my brand new tires to develop a minor imperfection that was lightly detected as steering wheel vibration.

Edit: Also, a reputable alignment shop locally said "You must do a lot of driving in Houston.."
While I do not, he seems to think the roads there are crummy.

[jeffnhiscars]

To be honest when I tried putting fluid, it instantly leaks leaving the power steering pump empty. And I drove it like that I know stupid me, but should I replace the rack and pinion.

And what's a good site selling some.

If the pump is empty you probably ought to remove the belt since you clearly dont have power steering anyway. I dont know if the pumps seize or just stop pumping, but my understanding is that the rack does not need much fluid to stay lubed enough to avoid damage.

If the rack is truly toasted..and I cant say thats the case.. rackdoctor.net seems to be reasonable and I have not read any complaints about them. Used racks are easy to find and cheap.

Follow Jim's advice on the vibration.

[Kevin_e30]

I replace the pump two weeks back, I feel the big difference really smooth but I hate the vibration I feel when I drive, when I drive on a really smooth road I can Bearly feel the vibration, but their is not many roads in Houston.

[Kevin_e30]

I did a complete front end refresh and still had a faint vibration in the steering wheel at speed.

Turns out the rough roads where I used to live caused one of my brand new tires to develop a minor imperfection that was lightly detected as steering wheel vibration.

Edit: Also, a reputable alignment shop locally said "You must do a lot of driving in Houston.."
While I do not, he seems to think the roads there are crummy.

The roads over here are very horrible.