What brand of steering rack have you used? Your results? Anyone tried Redhead?

[90pioneer]

My factory rack was shot in my 91 318i. I replaced it with a Napa reman unit, tons of play in the wheel, pulled it out, and exchanged it. Now with the second Napa reman rack I still have play in the wheel, it gets stiff when turning sharp, and really light and scary when driving on the highway.

Who has replaced their steering rack, what brand did you use, and what were your results?

Does anyone still carry OEM units?

Has anyone tried a Redhead steering rack and pinion? I know they are generally well regarded in steering boxes...

[jlevie]

They are pricey (~$1100), but you can still get a brand new rack from BMW. Rackdoctor has a good reputation for rebuilt racks.

Check the steering guibo and universal joints for wear.

[Holland]

Oem E36 rack. You will thank me later.

[cormier]

Rack Dr FTW, great prices on rebuilt units

[mr.vang]

you can find a good used e36 rack at the junk for a fairly good price.

[lambo]

Question about rack doctor: does the core have to be the same rack that you purchase? Or could I send in my e30 one for a z3 one?

[jlevie]

Question about rack doctor: does the core have to be the same rack that you purchase? Or could I send in my e30 one for a z3 one?

My understanding is that the core has to match what you want.

[cormier]

^^ ditto

They know the difference and respective values of the racks

[davem]

I put a rack doctor unit in and sold my car shortly after but it seemed decent - didn't leak or seem worn out or anything. The core has to be the same and since they include inner tierods with the racks they want your old ones (which you probably won't have) or they'll deduct $15 from your core return so throw them back in the box if you're not gonna use em.

I wouldn't bother with a junk yard rack unless it was bone dry. If it's got any oil on it don't bother, it's too much work to want to do twice.

[ScHpAnKy]

for what it's worth, I've got a remanufactured rack if you can supply new tie rods, let me know if you want to work something out

[90pioneer]

Are the racks at rackdoctor going to be better than the ones I have bought at napa that have the massive dead spot in the middle?

[davem]

Are the racks at rackdoctor going to be better than the ones I have bought at napa that have the massive dead spot in the middle?

the e36 rack i bought from rack doctor operated exactly the same as the one i pulled off an e36 parts car.