Post Z3-Rack Install Problems ::: FIXED!

[Wanganstyle]

Sounds like it is binding.

A properly executed z3 or z4 or e46m rack swap will function just like the original rack did.

Tow car to alignment and shop familiar with this kind of swap.

Steering racks automatically center when the car is traveling straight; if you intentionally initiate into a drift with a balanced car one can let go of the steering wheel and continue the drift with wheel free spinning; settle the back end when you want to stop drifting and throttle when there is enough weight to hook up; the steering wheel will auto center as you drive out of the corner

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[JCarp90]

I was under the impression that Z3 racks do not return to center as they are linear.

[JinormusJ]

Added a few more finds on OP

[Komzorz]

I have definitely heard of a kink causing stuttering before, so I'd for sure be checking for that one.

[JinormusJ]

UPDATE + SOLUTION ON POST #18

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=3857406&postcount=18

I love my new Z3 Rack. Its amazing, steering radius is decreased (Meaning, your rack travels further and thus you have tighter steering; U-turns and u-turn clutch dumps/whips are easy as 1-2-3), and steering response is immense. I love it!......

Except for the fact I need an alignment BAD, I have a decent-to-huge amount of bump-steer, and my auto-return on my steering isn't returning my steering wheel to center after a turn (If I turn to full lock going 2mph, it stays stuck in full lock). My steering also has a flat spot taking any kind of tighter turn.


I have ruled out to the following factors:
1st: Alignment
My wheels are off bad. This will be the first thing I do at a hopefully reputable shop. I would normally just go to Ryan GMW, but they are 20 miles+ and require freeway travel; both of which are unsafe to do so as the car sits. The car does not "re-center" the wheel after a turn, meaning I have to manual turn the wheel back; however, when reversing, the auto-leveling steering works.

2nd: Binding
Possible binding of my knuckle is causing a flat spot. There is no audible metal grinding or sounds from the steering system while turning, just the hum of the power-steering pump under heavy load (full lock). I did not inspect the linkage knuckle while steering with the car on the lift to check for binding. (It was late and my buddy needed to leave and my e30 was the only car there). I probably should have, but I will have free time next week to work it out.

3rd: Bleeding
My fluid is brown in the reservoir. It was regular Red ATF before the swap, and my power-steering was working perfectly fine, but now it does not seem to return my wheel back to center after a turn. Maybe a kink in pressure lines causing uneven pressure (there is stuttering from the power-steering pump like its struggling to push fluid at a certain point in the turn, but not all the time.). Could this be a possible cause of my flat spot or lack of auto-correction as well? I will be checking my hoses as well as my knuckle when I have it up on the lift.




As of now, Car is rendered unsafe and inoperable, so I'd like to get all these sorted out ASAP. I was scared with all the bump-steer/twitchy memory-steer from just traveling 30MPH.